I grin and pull into a parking spot at the Waterfront, humming a little to myself, "You're cheery." Basil remarks.

"I'm being optimistic, Basil," I lean over and kiss him gently. He kisses back, and then I pull away, "I know they'll like you. Come on, let's go." In three seconds he's out of the car and opening my door for me.

"I'm eager to meet them.., I'm just afraid that they won't approve of me. Especially your Dad."

"Nonsense. It'll be fine." I dismiss and lock my scion xB. We join hands and my eyes scan downtown Poulsbo as we walk towards Greenlight Diner. It's a wonderful day to talk through downtown, cool and sunny. I'm surprised that there aren't more people.

"Is this it, Zipporah?"

"Yes it is." My feet skip up to the doors and Basil opens them, allowing me to enter. I search the dining room and locate Isaac. Mom and Dad see me and share an excited smile just as I play-tackle Isaac from behind. 

"What the-!" Isaac sputters and yanks his head around. When he sees me I grin and he crushes me in a hug, "Zipporah!" 

"I'm back, Isaac." I reply and embrace him before moving to Mom and Dad. Basil stands off to the side, watching.

"How was your flight?" Mom asks. I shrug. 

"Typical," I reply and pull Basil over by the crook of his arm, "This is Basil Kaiser." 

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Mister and Misses Roux. As Zipporah said, I'm Basil Kaiser." He introduces himself, extending his hand. Mom takes it and they shake, then Basil turns to Dad. In spite of the fact that Dad is still bound to a wheelchair, it appears that he is looking down at Basil as he shakes his hand. Isaac tugs at my sleeve. 

"Mm?" 

"Why did you bring him home?" 

"Isaac, I thought you wanted to meet my new boyfriend." 

"Yes, but, now he might-" 

"Icy!" I chide, shutting him up. Basil approaches Isaac and my brother stands up. 

"Hallo, Isaac." The two shake hands. 

"Zipporah has told us a lot about you, Basil." 

"Yes, she has told me about you too. Zipporah is very proud of you." Isaac blanches. 

"Well, we just got here. Why don't we order? I'd love to get to know you better, Basil." Dad suggests, eyeing me and Basil as we sit down. It's obvious that he's skeptical and cautious, but Basil must have impressed all of them because they haven't thrown him out.

"Do you and Zipporah talk in german?" Isaac queries. Basil nods. 

"Yes, we do." 

"What do you do for a living, Basil?" Dad asks.

"I work at Rask Industries and in Public Relations. That's how Zipporah and I met, at a corporate function." 

"I was working as an interpreter and happened to bump into him at the refreshment table." I elaborate. 

"Your daughter is gifted with languages. I've known few who can master so many and be fluent." Basil praises and I blush. 

"Yes. She's always been that way. We're very proud of her," Mom agrees. Basil reaches under the table and we join hands, "How long are you staying?" 

"Probably through August." 

"That is a very long time." 

"Y-Y-You'll be here for Graduation?" 

"Of course! I told you I wouldn't miss it." Isaac fist pumps and I chuckle. 

"I've got so many ideas, Zipper, I don't know where to start!" As Isaac begins to ramble on I smile and listen with one ear, giving half of my attention to the conversation sparking between Basil and my parents. At least we're all getting along.

Please comment! Thanks for all the reads and support! 

~Uilosris