With a surprised grin on your face, you watched JD swallow almost half of his plate without chewing. Speechless, your eyebrows rose and you couldn't help but chuckle.

"Some things never change, huh?", you asked. "You still eat like a pig, JD. Did nobody teach you what manners are?"

Swallowing the last bite, he shrugged and held his plate out for a second portion.

This time you made sure it was extra big.

"You eat too little.", he said, pointing with his eyes to your half empty plate. "When was the last time you had solid food? Something that isn't junk food either?"

Curling your lips, you had to think for a moment.

"Truth be told? I have no idea."

"You're being irresponsible with yourself."

An amused snort escaped you.

"I use all of my responsibility on you."

"You say that as if I'm your child."

"Worse. My boyfriend.", you joked.

As the word reached his ears he immediately stopped chewing. A red glow appeared on his face as he glanced up at you. Swallowing heavily, he tried to smile but it looked kind of disgustingly funny with his cheeks filled with foods.

With a grin, you leaned forward and snapped two fingers against his forehead.

"What?", you asked teasingly. "Bit your tongue off?"

He shook his head.

"It's just...", he swallowed the last bite. "I thought you would need longer to say it."

You snorted.

"We've known each other for how long now?"

"Forever?"

"I'll call you my boyfriend in private. But don't expect me to introduce you as such."

He laughed.

"As if you would have people you could introduce me to."

"But you do?", you asked, one eyebrow raised.

JD hesitated. Letting out a deep breath, he put the fork down and looked up at you.

Unsure, you frowned.

Rubbing the back of his neck, he smiled mildly but also kind of nervous.

"Actually... there are some people I'd like you to meet.", he admitted in a careful manner. "Not right now, of course. But... if you want to, one day."

A sound escaped you which was something between a hiss and a whimper.

"Like... some of the Outsiders that you're part of?", you asked.

He nodded.

"Don't worry, I don't want you to meet the entire village. But I have some friends there. And I told them a lot about you. Kait is always asking when she can meet you."

As the name Kait left his mouth, a cold shiver crawled down your spine.

Every time JD had payed you a visit, he had told you new stories and what he had going on in his life. And it had always felt like he was never leaving things out.

But Kait was entirely new to you.

Avoiding his eyes, you turned away, pretending to take care of the dishes.

"So... is she... nice?", you asked, but didn't really know why. "I mean... if she's your friend she must be... energetic and friendly and loyal. She... must be a lot like you?"

For a moment he eyed your back.

"She's... nice.", he said. "I think you will like her."

"I'm not sure... I might get in trouble if someone from COG sees me there."

He frowned, sighing.

"You still work for them?", he sounded bitter but didn't want to lecture you.

"No. We exchange favours."

"What's the difference?"

"They need my skills and I need their supplies. I don't work for them unless I need something. But they offer me a lot more than I need. A lot of times.", you threw a glance over your shoulder. "I'm not agreeing with their methods, but even you have to admit that they have a lot to offer. No matter what your believes are but as a scientist I need electricity and other stuff for my research. And COG can provide."

His lips curled, while he was chewing on the inside of his cheek. He was thinking for a moment.

"So, you're just using them for your own benefit?", he asked.

"So did you when stealing the fabricator. The only difference is that they offer me what I want voluntarily."

An amused huff made his broad shoulder tremble.

"Fine.", he rolled his eyes. "But promise me that you won't go back."

You shook your head.

"Must I remind you that I left the settlement before you did?", you gifted him a smirk.

He raised his hands, shaking his head.

"The worst thing about it back then was that you moved in with my dad."

You shrugged.

"He offered me a safe place. And he helped me find this house."

Sighing, he nodded, unable to deny that the help of his father had been the final push for you to escape the COG labs once and for all. Otherwise you would have probably worked yourself to death for Mina Jinn.

The only thing that still hadn't changed since then was your work ethics. You still slept too little and worked long hours until exhaustion nocked you out.

But he had given up hope that this would ever change again.

"Let's get back to the actual topic.", he asked and put on his usual charming grin again. "My friends. Would you be willing to meet them?"

For a moment you stopped washing the dishes and just stared at the water. Whenever you moved it moved too. The touch felt soft, warm but not hot.

"JD...", you sighed and turned to him with an unsure expression. "I... I'm not good with people. And I don't want to disappoint you either. Meeting them might turn out different than you expect."

Smiling softly, he shook his head.

"Think about it. For me?"

"Would it be that important to you?"

"What's important to me should not concern you. All I'm saying is that I told my other friends what a genius my childhood best friend is. They are thrilled to meet you. And...", he blushed. "I might want to show you off too."

Flattered but still anxious, you pressed your lips into a thin line to hide a smile.

"Can I sleep a night over it?"

"Only if I'm allowed to sleep next to you."

"JD!"