Avery hopped out of the cab and paid the driver, then hitched her bag on her shoulder and walked up the stairs to Taylor and Ike's apartment.
She knocked on the door and waited for it to be answered.
Taylor
Taylor stopped for a moment in his piano playing, listening intently. He was sure he'd heard a knock at the door.
And then it came again.
Well it wouldn't have been Ike, he had a key*
Feeling slightly nervous, he stood from the piano stool and made his way through to the front door.
"Oh, hey Avie," his face lit up at the sight of her.
Avery
"Hey Taylor," Avery greeted.
"Can I hug you, or are you a no touchy zone at the moment?"
Taylor
Taylor hesitated for a moment with a frown.
Then he smiled and held his arms out, kneeling down slightly so he could hug her.
Avery
Avery grinned and hugged him back, then kissed his cheek.
"How are you? I came back as soon as I could."
Taylor
"I'm ok," Taylor nodded, still smiling yet somehow animated.
"Are* are you staying with us, or at Mom and Dad's?"
Avery
"That all depends on you and Ike."
Avery shrugged, taking hold of Taylor's hand.
"If Im in the way here, I'll go home."
Taylor
"You'll never be in the way," Taylor shook his head.
"But I'd check with Ike. He might not want you staying with me."
His face fell.
Avery
"I'm not that big a bully," Avery said.
"Anyway, you sit down, do you want a cup of tea or anything?"
Taylor
Taylor chuckled to himself, before collapsing on the couch and shaking his head.
He soon got up again and grabbed her bag to move it out of the doorway.
Avery
Avery went into the kitchen, humming and singing quietly as she brewed a pot of tea for herself and Taylor.
She poured them into cups, fixed them the way they both liked, then took them out and handed one to Taylor.
Taylor
"Thanks," Taylor said softly.
Taylor took it and screwed his face up a little. He knew they were trying to get him off coffee, but it didn't mean he had to like the transition.
He sipped at it slowly, not really caring how hot it was. He noticed vaguely how far his tolerance had gone up.
Avery
"So... my lessons with Tanya have been going really well," Avery said.
"She says I'm making excellent progress."
Avery sipped at her tea.
Taylor
Taylor gulped slightly at that.
"That's good," he said finally.
"I guess* I guess she'll want to start teaching you how to do my treatments soon then."
He bit his lip awkwardly.
Avery
"I think she'd rather do them for as long as she can," Avery said, shrugging.
"Where's Ike, anyhow? Someone on the station wants his autograph."
Taylor
Taylor raised his eyebrows.
"Ah* He needed to duck out to the mall real quick. He should be back soon," he insisted.
Avery
"Ah ok, cool."
Avery put her tea down on the table.
"So, what do you wanna do?"
Taylor
Taylor shrugged.
"I don't know," he said softly.
"Have you been practising?"
He moved his hand across in front of his mouth, indicating a harmonica.
Avery
"Yeah, but not as much as I should."
Avery shrugged.
"I have it here."
Taylor
"I haven't* I haven't really done anything since I got back. I've been on the piano a bit, but that's pretty much it," Taylor kept his eyes to the floor.
He fiddled with the handle on his mug for a moment, before having another drink.
Avery
"If you don't wanna talk, that's ok. We can watch a movie or something," Avery said, moving to sit next to Taylor.
Taylor
"I don't mind," Taylor shook his head.
"I'm fine with whatever you want to do."
Avery
"Well, let's watch a movie then."
Avery got up and selected a boring movie they'd been ten times before and put it on.
She went back and sat next to Taylor on the couch.
Taylor
Taylor set his tea down on the coffee table, then sat back and folded his arms across his chest almost defensively.
But he did tilt his head slightly in her direction.
Avery
Avery rested her head against his shoulder.
"So, I'm going out with Dan now."
Taylor
"I thought his name was Millsy?" Taylor asked, seemingly tiredly, but his voice was just quiet again.
"Please don't become the next Zac."
Avery
"No, Millsy and I parted ways awhile ago."
Avery shrugged.
"I have no intention of becoming Zac."
Taylor
Taylor almost smirked, but cut it down to a slightly noticeable smile. He finally had an admission that something went on with Millsy.
"That's good. So* what's Dan like?"
Avery
"He's nice," Avery said, shrugging.
"He's a Christian, so mom will approve."
Taylor
"Cool," Taylor nodded.
He sighed slightly, thinking of Mouse. Shaking himself out of it, he began staring at the TV again.
"Is he your age?"
Avery
"Yup, just like 2 months older than me," Avery replied.
"I haven't gone home yet, so I should check in with mom and dad later."
Taylor
"If they don't know you're home, you can always call them," Taylor suggested, rubbing his nose.
"Home* home is kind've empty now. But I heard Jess was back."
Avery
"I might call them now, if that's ok?"
Avery stood up.
Taylor
"Yeah, sure!" Taylor jumped up, his nerves showing.
"Umm* let's see* phone, phone* Kitchen," he realised, going to get it.
He grabbed it from the bench and handed it to her.
Avery
Avery gave him a strange look, but took the phone and dialled in the Hanson's home number.
Taylor & Walker
Taylor recoiled slightly from the look she gave him, before going to sit on the couch again and just letting his knee bounce as he watched the TV.
Meanwhile, Walker picked up the phone.
"Hello?"
Avery
"Hey Dad, it's Avie," Avery said, turning to watch Taylor.
"How are ya?"
Walker
"Good afternoon Avery," Walker smiled.
"I'm well, as is the rest of the house. How are you?"
Avery
"I'm good."
Avery twisted her hair between her fingers.
"I'm at Taylor and Isaac's at the moment."
Taylor & Walker
"Ah, you should have warned us you were coming down," Walker raised his eyebrows.
"Where are you staying?"
Taylor glanced up at her, then returned his attention to the TV.
Avery
"Sorry Dad. I wrote to Jess, but I guess she didn't pass the message on. And I guess at home."
Avery turned her back on Taylor and lowered her voice.
"I don't think it would be a good idea to stay here."
Taylor & Walker
Taylor frowned and hung his head.
"You don't?" Walker sounded slightly surprised.
"Why? Is there something wrong?"
Avery
"Taylor just seems really stressed and he probably doesn't need me there," Avery said.
Taylor & Walker
"Ah. I see*" Walker nodded to himself.
Taylor bit his lip, holding back from saying everything. His power made sure he heard every word and understood her underlying tone.
"Do you need someone to come and pick you up? Or can Isaac drop you off?"
Avery
"Ike's not here at the moment," Avery said.
"So I guess someone can pick me up?"
Walker
"Very well, I'll come for you whenever you want. Do you want to come now, or would you rather call me when you're ready?" Walker asked.
Avery
"Um, I think I wanna wait around and see Ike first," Avery said, after thinking.
"So I'll call again when Ike's here."
Taylor & Walker
"Ok. Don't give Taylor a hard time or anything, you know what's happened," Walker insisted, "I'll come for you as soon as you call. Say `hi' to them for me."
Taylor looked up nervously, sensing the call was about to end.
Avery
"Ok, say hi to mom and everyone," Avery said.
"I'll call soon. Bye!"
Avery hung up then went to see Taylor.
Taylor
Taylor forced a smile onto his face.
"So* what's happening?" he asked, somewhat casually.
Avery
"I'm gonna stay at home, just so I'm not in the way," Avery said, leaning against the doorframe.
"Dad said he'll get me when I call again. I wanted to stick around a little more and maybe catch Ike."
Taylor
"Cool," Taylor nodded, before frowning and dropping his head.
"I'm not* I mean," he shook his head.
"I* I don't, scare you, do I?"
Avery
"What? No way!"
Avery walked over to Taylor.
"I just didn't want to be in the way here, that's all."
Taylor
Taylor took a deep breath and sighed with relief.
"Cool," he said finally.
"I'm* I've* I'm just still re-adjusting to everything, so I don't* I hope it doesn't seem like I don't want you around. You're probably the person I'd want the most to be around right now."
His voice grew softer with every word.
Avery
"Hey," Avery said, hugging Taylor.
"I know. I'm wonderful. I just don't want to stress you out or anything and I know you've had a rough time. But I love you."
Taylor
"I love you too," Taylor whispered, hugging her back with his eyes closed.
"More than you'll ever know."
He knew it was probably a bad idea for her to be there - considering his recent run with telepathy - but he didn't want her to leave all the same.
Avery
Avery kissed his cheek.
"Come on, Tayface. Let's watch some TV."
Isaac
Isaac tried the handle, determined it was locked and pulled out his keys to unlock the door. Slinging his bag over his shoulder, he opened the door and headed inside.
"I'm back, Tay," he called, on his way to his room where he planned to dump the bag, the product of his trip to the mall.
Taylor
Taylor glanced over the back of the couch, seeing Isaac had already disappeared from sight.
"We have a guest!" he called out.
Avery
"Ike!"
Avery hopped up from the couch and tied her hair back.
Isaac
Isaac paused, then let his telekinesis move his bag into his room while he walked out into the lounge.
"Hey Avie!" he greeted.
Taylor
Taylor just smiled as he stood up from the couch.
He grabbed the remote and turned the TV off.
Avery
Avery ran up to Ike and hugged him tightly.
"Hello!"
Isaac
Isaac hugged her back.
"Hey," he said again. "How's the station been? How long have you been here? And more importantly, how long you planning on staying?"
Taylor
"She's staying with Mom and Dad," Taylor said for her, hiding his slight feelings of rejection.
"She just wanted to wait until you got back."
Avery
"I didn't want to be in the way here," Avery explained.
"How's... what are you doing these days anyway?"
Isaac
"Oh same old, same old. Writing, tuning, singing..." Isaac grinned. "And you would never be in the way."
He then took that moment to sit down.
Tayor
Taylor scratched his head, then headed for the kitchen.
"Drink, anyone?"
Avery
"No, I know I'd never be, because I'm so great," Avie replied, grinning.
"No thanks Tay."
Isaac
"I'll just have some water, thanks," Isaac said.
He ruffled Avery's hair.
"And so modest too," he grinned.
Taylor
"Ok."
Taylor headed for the kitchen. He put the kettle on again and fetched a glass of water, keeping his ears tuned to the livingroom.
Avery
"Yes. I know I'm great. I won't deny it," Avery giggled.
"Is he ok?"
Isaac
"Oh, he's okay," Isaac smiled. "A little quieter than usual, perhaps, but okay."
He paused, wondering if there was a discreet way of telling her not to hang out with Taylor unless there was someone else in hearing distance at least. Then it occured to him that being a telepath, everyone was in hearing distance. Well, except maybe him with his telepathic shield.
Taylor
Taylor made his coffee, grabbed Ike's glass of water and headed back into the living room.
"Here," he said softly, handing it to Isaac before going to sit on an opposite couch.
Avery
"I should get home soon," Avery said, brushing hair out of her eyes.
"And I should get a haircut."
Isaac
"Thanks, Tay," Isaac said.
He drank some of his water, then continued:
"Did you want a lift home?"
Taylor
"She told Dad you'd drop her off, so I hope you don't mind," Taylor raised his eyebrows, taking a sip of his coffee.
He traced the design on it with his fingers absently.
Avery
"Whenever you're ready is good for me," Avery replied.
"I don't know if I'm gonna go back to the space station for awhile."
Isaac
"Naw, that's fine," Isaac nodded to Taylor, before turning back to Avery. "Life on the station's that back?"
He gave her a cheeky grin.
Taylor
"Maybe she needs some time away from her boyfriend," Taylor chuckled softly.
Avery
Avery stuck her tongue out at Taylor.
"You're half right. Except he's not my boyfriend anymore. A fact which I am glad about. But I'm mainly just burnt out from training with Tanya."
Isaac
"You broke up huh?" Isaac asked. "Dun worry, they'll be another. And everyone needs a break from work sometime."
"Although this break from touring is being rather lengthy..."
Taylor
Taylor hesitated, his eyes dropping to the floor.
"Sorry about that," he said, "but hey, the break's been well welcomed by all."
Avery
"Life on the station sucks," Avery said suddenly.
"In fact, I'm not sure if I will go back."
She stretched her arms out and lay back against the couch.
"I like being home too much, I think."
Isaac
"Aww, we'll we're always happy to have you here," Isaac nodded.
He drank some more of his drink.
"At least... until we go back on tour... In which case we wouldn't want you here because there'd be no one at home for weeks, months even."
Taylor
"Well she can stay with Mom and Dad while we're on tour," Taylor pointed out.
He took another sip of his coffee.
Avery
"I could. Or I could come with."
Avery smiled cheekily.
"I could help you pick up chicks. How, I'm not sure, but we'll work it out."
And with that, Avie started to sing the Beatles song 'We Can Work It Out."
Isaac
Isaac laughed, and joined in. He gestured for Taylor to join in too.
Taylor
Taylor watched them both nervously for a moment, before sipping at his coffee again.
Putting the mug down on the coffee table, he finally joined in.
Avery
"Hooray! Now that I know you're both still human and not cyborgs, I think I can live on in peace now."
Avery laughed.
"Oh Ike, there's a girl on the station who is in LOVE with you and she follows me around, all the time."
Isaac
Isaac chuckled.
"Oh, is that so? And what do you do about it?"
Avery
"Well... I exploit it a bit."
Avery grinned.
"She's always willing to get me a drink and stuff, coz she thinks I'll tell you about her. Which I am. So maybe her plan is working."
She furrowed her eyebrows.
"There's a guy that's got a crush on Zac too. And a girl who has posters of Taylor."
Taylor
Taylor raised his eyebrows, before pursing his lips.
"Has she seen me on the station when I go to see Tanya?" he held back a chuckle.
Isaac
Isaac snorted.
"Maybe her plan is working," he agreed. "Oooh... can you tell Zac about the guy with a crush on him? Preferably when I'm in the same room?"
He grinned maliciously.
Avery
"Sure," Avery replied, laughing.
"I have to give his number to Zac anyway."
She giggled again.
"And I think the girl who likes you Tay, has seen you at the station."
Taylor
Taylor smiled slightly.
"At least we haven't really been mobbed there yet. Then again we've only been there together twice that I remember…"
Isaac
"I like to think that our people are a bit more sensible than that," Isaac replied. "But maybe it's just because we don't go there all that often. Or maybe that we've interacted with a lot of them - even if only at the YIRAAS tournaments over the years."
Avery
"Ah yes, Ike, ever the voice of reason."
Avery grinned cheekily.