Ground rules are set

As dinner is served, the aroma of Vanessa's cooking hits Ryan like a warm embrace. She's standing at the stove, stirring a pot of steaming pasta, her hair pulled back in a messy bun. She looks up as they approach, her face breaking into a wide smile.

She sets the pot down, wiping her hands on a dish towel. Ethan moves to help her carry the food to the table, his arms laden with dishes of pasta, salad, and garlic bread.

As they sit down to eat, Vanessa raises her glass of wine. “To new beginnings,” she toasts, her gaze lingering on Ryan. “And to family.”

Ethan clinks his beer bottle against her glass, grinning. “To family,” he agrees.

Reluctantly, Ryan holds up his glass, embarrassed by the over the unnecessary toasting.

Luna, however, is noticeably absent. Vanessa frowns slightly, her brow furrowing. “I suppose we should call Luna down,” she says, setting her glass back on the table. “She can't hide in her room forever.”

Ethan nods, pushing back his chair. “I'll go get her,” he says, heading for the stairs.

A moment later, Luna appears, slouching into the kitchen. She plops down in the chair farthest from Ryan, her icy blue eyes fixed on her plate. Vanessa frowns at her daughter’s underwhelming welcome to both Ryan and Ethan.

The sounds of knives and forks clatter against the plates as everyone starts to dig into their meals.

Ethan clears his throat, setting down his fork. “Alright, now that we're all here, I think it's important we go over some ground rules.” He looks around the table, his gaze lingering on Luna before settling on Ryan. “First and foremost, respect. We're all family now, and that means treating each other with kindness and consideration.”

Vanessa nods, reaching over to pat Ethan's hand. “Absolutely. And that goes for you too, Luna. I know this is a big change, but we're all in this together.” She turns to Ryan, her smile warm. “Which brings me to my next point - communication. If you have any issues or concerns, we want you to feel comfortable coming to us. No problem is too small.”

Ethan picks up where Vanessa left off. “And of course, there are some basic household rules. Curfew, chores, that sort of thing. We'll get all that sorted out in the coming days.” He grins, his eyes twinkling.

Ryan can’t believe what he’s hearing, he puts a hand to his face after dropping his fork back on the plate, “Jesus Dad… I’m 18 years old… I’m not having a fucking curfew.”

His father smile falters for a moment, caught off guard by Ryan's outburst. He exchanges a quick glance with Vanessa, who looks equally surprised.

Clearing his throat, Ethan leans back in his chair, his tone careful. “Now, Ryan, I understand this is all new for you. But we're not trying to cramp your style, here. We just want to make sure you're safe and responsible.”

Vanessa chimes in, her voice smooth and soothing. “Of course, sweetie. We're not trying to treat you like a child. It's just... well, you're living under our roof now, and we have to have some guidelines in place. For everyone's sake.”

Luna scoffs, rolling her eyes dramatically. “Yeah, because God forbid someone actually trusts you to make your own decisions,” she mutters under her breath, loud enough for everyone to hear.

Vanessa shoots Luna a warning look before Ethan turns back to Ryan, his expression softening. “Look, kiddo, we're not trying to be the fun police here. We just want what's best for you. How about we compromise? No set curfew, but you check in with us if you're going to be out late, okay?”

Vanessa nods, her smile encouraging. “And remember, Ryan, this is your home now too. We want you to feel comfortable and happy here. If there's anything you need, anything at all, you just let us know.”

She reaches across the table, her hand hovering near Ryan's, not quite touching but offering a gesture of support. “We're all in this together, right?”

Luna, meanwhile, has retreated into her own world, picking at her food and muttering darkly under her breath. It's clear she's not thrilled with the new family dynamics, but she keeps her complaints to herself for now.