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.

stepped closer, his voice low and

playful threat in his tone sent a

looked up, caught off

a tense few seconds, her cheeks flushed a deep red, spreading to her ears as she stammered,

I said that. I meant to say

Reynolds..." en

Damn it, "Uncle Reynolds"!

cheeks, wishing she could just faint

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

tendency to indulge

Leda Reynolds or when she wanted

a gentle tap that caught

his own impulsiveness, knowing well this kind of touch was too

from the alcohol slowing her reactions, but also from the unexpected

you know getting tapped on the head can

coughed, "Well,