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Xiomara lit up like a sun when he agreed. She happily took his hand and nearly slipped towards the door. “I have a little cat, his name is Milo. I’m allergic to him but not bad enough to get rid of him. And we used to have a little dog before Milo but Lynnette took that dog with her when she left. Now it’s just me and my dad and Milo. I’m sure you’ll them both!” She went off, opening the front door for him.
“I’ve met him Xio. I’ve been here before.” He laughed softly, gesturing her towards the door and holding it himself. “I’m sure I will love them both.”
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She giggled softly and nodded. “I know I just want you to know him better.” She replied, thanking him as she entered the home and took her shoes off by the door. Milo came running a few seconds later, looking up at Tyler with his wide eyes.
Tyler copied her movements and crouched down beside the cat, scratching behind his ears, smiling gently. "He's so cute." He cooed, petting him happily.
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The cat purred happily, rubbing his face against Tyler eagerly. Xiomara laughed softly. “He’s only cute when he’s not meowing at you to get up every day at seven.”
Tyler laughed and kissed the top of Milo's head before standing up and taking Xio's hand again. "Sounds like my little sister." He said, glancing over at her with a smile.
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“Really? She gets you up early too?” She asked gently. The cat purred and followed Tyler and Xio as Xiomara led them through the front room and into the kitchen, where her father sat over a cup of coffee, a book in hand.
“Ah, hello Marie. I see you’ve brought Tyler over.” He grinned rather stupidly, laughter in his eyes. “So, how was the date?”
"Yeah, but it's more like jumping on my bed and yelling at me to wake up." He laughed, following Xio.
Tyler waved a bit at her father, growing slightly nervous. "Hi, it's nice to meet you." He said quietly with a soft smile. "Xio's told me a lot about you, good things, of course."
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Xio made a face at that but giggled softly. She blushed lightly when her father spoke and gently leaned into Tyler.
Garrett noticed the younger male’s nervousness and seemed to relax himself. “That’s good to hear. I worry that someday she’ll decide I’m not around enough and hate me for it.” He teased his daughter, smiling at her. Xio giggled.
“I can’t hate you. We’ve bonded too much dad.”
Tyler laughed gently and seemed to relax slightly as well. “Thanks for letting me steal her away for a couple hours. She’s amazing. I’m sure you already know that though.”
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“Of course. You seem like a good kid, I trust you with my Xio. But I won’t hesitate if she’s hurt.” He reminded with a stern look, just as all dads usually did.
Xiomara whined softly and hung off of Tyler’s arm slightly. “Daaad! Don’t scare him off. I like Tyler… a lot…”
(sorry this took so long! I've been really busy!)
"I would never hurt her, I promise." He replied gently, squeezing Xio's hand in reassurance that he wouldn't be scared off. It was odd though. He'd never had a father before, at least not one that stuck around long enough to experience something like this.
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(You're alright! I have been too.)
Garrett gestured to the table for them to sit, and turned around to pull two mugs from the shelf. "Good. Do you like hot chocolate, Tyler?" He asked softly, casting a glance their way. "I'd love to get to know you a little more and I'm sure Xio wouldn't mind if I asked you a few questions then left you alone."
:)
Tyler sat down, glancing at Xio. "Sure, thank you. And yeah, that would be fine with me." He said, slightly nervous, but Garrett seemed like a nice guy.
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Xiomara took her seat next to Tyler and leaned against him. She pouted lightly but allowed her father to sit down as well, his book laid flat. “How’s school going for you two? You’re doing alright?” Garrett asked gently.
Tyler nodded, relaxing a bit in his seat. I’m doing pretty well.” He said, glancing over at Xio with a small smile.
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“I’m doing good too.” She hummed, pressing a random kiss to Tyler’s cheek. She giggled softly and Garrett rolled his eyes at her playfully.
“Thats good to hear. You aren’t a delinquent are you?” He asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I don't think so. I hope not." Tyler laughed quietly, rubbing the back of his neck anxiously. "My mom would probably kick me out if I was."
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Xio rubbed at her face, rolling her eyes at her fathers happy laugh. “Good! You’re definitely not a danger or abusive it Xio wouldn’t have started dating you. She’s good at character judgement.” He murmured softly to himself. “Lastly, do you like to read?”
“It depends on the book. I’m not great at English.” Tyler admitted, “I like reading though. It’s nice, when I have the time. Especially Xio’s writing.” He smiled and nudged her gently.
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Xiomara blushed lightly and giggled. “Dad always asks that question purely because we both write. He has his own published books. A lot more than me.” She admitted.
Garrett smiled. “That is why I ask it. I’m glad you two enjoy each other. I don’t have anymore questions it was just those three. I like to scare Marie’s boyfriends.”
“Well, you certainly do your job well.” Tyler laughed, “My mom’s aren’t quite as serious, are they.” He glanced over at Xio, flashing her a smile.
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(Sorry, today did not go well for me. I’m feeling much better now though.)
Xiomara giggled softly. “Not at all. But my dad isn’t usually so scary the more you get to know him.” She hummed
“Now don’t ruin my fun, Marie.” He cut in, grinning in amusement.
(It’s okay! I hope you feel better!)
Tyler laughed and finally felt largely relaxed around the two. He wasn’t used to being around someone like Garrett, but it was nice.
(Sorry these are so short I’m kind of in a hurry right now)
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Xiomara gave his hand a gentle squeeze, leaning over to kiss his cheek. “Don’t be too intimidated by him, Tyler.” She purred softly.
Garrett watched them with amusement before he sighed loudly, grabbed his book and coffee, and stood. “Well, I’ll leave you two alone. Be smart, be safe, don’t be dumb.” He said with a wink. “I’ll be in my office if you need me.” And with that, the male left the room.
Tyler slumped in his seat slightly when Garrett left. "I'm never used to meeting dads." He laughed, "It's so stressful. He's really nice though." He thought out loud, taking Xio's hand and kissing it gently.
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Xiomara laughed gently as he spoke. She shook her head and smiled at him. “My father is a kind man. He’s done very well on his own, keeping up with me and all of his work at the same time.”
“Where is He when he’s not at home?” Tyler asked, facing towards her and resting his elbow on the table.
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“At work.” She sighed deeply. “He’s always working. He won’t tell me what he does exactly but it’s something very much labor-focused.”
“Doesn’t he write children’s books?” Tyler asked, tilting his head.
(I’m so sorry!!! I thought I had responded to this)
