Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Owen was at a loss for words, truly overwhelmed by the experience.

"How's it taste, buddy?"

Owen managed a simple, "Delicious."

Norris's eyes sparkled with the thrill of finding a kindred spirit, "Love it? Have some more! And you've got to try this crystal steak with my secret sauce..." Throughout the meal, Owen's feedback was minimal but positive, "Tasty... very aromatic... such a unique recipe... never had anything like it..." Norris was more energized than ever.

Finally, when Owen stood to leave, feeling a weight lifted off his shoulders, Norris called out, "Anne, see your Uncle Reynolds out, will you?" Owen was stunned.

"...Oh!" Roseanne got up, her head spinning a bit from the wine, her reaction a tad slow.

But her expression was as composed as ever, her gaze clear.

She walked Owen to the door, and as it shut with a bang behind them, she realized there wasn't much to 'seeing him out' since he lived next door.

Waving goodbye, perhaps a bit too influenced by the wine or just a slip of the tongue, she said, "Bye, Uncle Reynolds."

Owen paused mid-step, turning to her with a look so deep, it felt like peering into two bottomless vortexes.

his voice low and teasingly dangerous, "What did you

playful threat in his tone sent a

looked up, caught off guard by

seconds, her cheeks flushed a deep red,

I said that. I meant

Reynolds..." en

Damn it, "Uncle Reynolds"!

covered her burning cheeks, wishing she could just faint on

chuckled, "Think you'll take it easy on the

had noticed Roseanne's tendency to indulge in

or when she wanted

a gentle tap that

kind of touch was too intimate and could lead to misunderstandings,

slowing her reactions,

you know getting tapped on the head can make you dumb?"

coughed, "Well, now I