Safe Haven (1x1 with SnowRunners)

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

Storm smiled a bit, but looked down at his hands. "You're being....nice now," he said quietly, explaining why he was talking more. He dangled his legs over the edge of the counter.

[Berenice.]

“I know, I know. I was such a brat before. But I didn’t actually realise how horrible I was being. But I’ve realised now, okay?” Megan told him. “I still find it funny how you ran away from that girl who had a huge crush on you.”

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

Storm shook his head. "She doesn't even know me. If she did, she wouldn't try to be friends with me. She wouldn't want to get involved with my problems, just like everyone else," he said, his shoulders hunching and his head hanging. "Except you," he whispered. "It had the opposite effect on you. Why?" he asked, not really expecting an answer. He was just grateful to have someone who was sort of his friend now.

[Berenice.]

“She’s like that to all the guys so I wouldn’t take it too personally.” Megan said and thought about his question for a while. “I think it’s because everyone else I know have such ‘perfect’ lives. It just gets boring after a while. Being able to support someone for once is different. And also, I feel the need to try and help since I was so horrible to you at first, so now I want to try and help. But you’re a nice guy as well. I don’t want to just judge you on what’s happened in your life. That’s a bit harsh.”

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

He smiled slightly at her. "Makes sense. Thank you," he whispered. He hoped off of the counter to check on the soup. He stirred it, adjusted the temperature, and sat back down beside Megan.

[Berenice.]

“So, what’s going to happen after you recover from the accident? Like, mentally? Are you going to leave? Or will you leave sooner? I just can’t think of many other places for you to go.” She didn’t really understand how the whole situation was going to work.

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

He shrugged. He wasn't really sure what would happen. "I don't want to go to a foster home or group home or anything like that. I don't think anyone else is willing to take me in, other then your mom. They have enough of their own problems to deal with," he said quietly. He didn't really want to go anywhere. He wanted to stay here. What was the point of him leaving to another home just to leave again once he was 18?

[Berenice.]

“I mean, I would say you could move out when you’re 18 which probably isn’t that too far away, but would you be able to do that? Like, financially? I have no idea what I’m doing in the future. Moving out would be great but I like having someone to clean the house so I don’t have to, like my mom! Poor you. You might have to stay here with us! How tragic.” Megan laughed and ruffled his hair.

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

Storm actually gave her a full smile when she laughed and ruffled his hair. "It's a year from now," he told her, meaning when he would be 18. "I don't want to live by myself, though. Or own a house. I stopped working when...I'm not working right now. Besides, that would be lonely, and being alone in a house by myself is the last thing I need right now."

[Berenice.]

“Gosh I don’t blame you. I don’t want to own a house until I’m actually responsible and mature, which is a long long way away! It sounds like such an adult thing to do and I really don’t want to. We should be roommates! We should get an apartment and be roommates! Nah I’m joking. That sounds like a problem waiting to happen.” She grinned. “And I’m not getting a job until I’m desperate. I don’t know about you, but work sounds like way too much effort.”