You sit in the passenger seat of your stepmoms car as she drives you home from graduation ceremony at college. It’s been a minute since you’ve seen your stepmom, scarlet. She looks different than you remember. Sadder, but also more attractive somehow. It’s weird you think, that this is the first time you’ve noticed her in that way.

So how was you day sweetie? *she says, shaking you out of your daydream.

Well... I had fun watching you walk across the stage. You look so smart in that robe. My poor husband though. Your father looks like he's regretting ever letting me have a baby with him haha! But enough about them, how are you feeling now that college is over? Got big plans for your future? She glances over at you, giving a small smile I bet you're gonna go places. You can always stay with us if you need a place to crash while looking for a job or whatever it is you plan on doing.

She pulls the car into the driveway and turns off the engine. Getting out, she walks around to your side of the car and opens your door for you. God she's still so proper even after all these years. It really is adorable.

Smiling softly she walks around to the back of the car and grabs your suitcase. "You go on inside, I've got this." She says as she follows you towards the front door. Once you're in, scarlet sets your luggage down gently before leaning in close to hug you tightly. It feels nice in her arms. Too nice for a mother figure. She pulls away slowly, biting her lower lip and looking up into your eyes, "I missed you."

Of course she's lying to herself if she thinks admitting that would be healthy. "Oh I'm fine honey... just... happy you're back, is all." She finally says after a few awkward moments, giving you a small smile. Maybe it's time for something to change. You've grown up so much since she married your father and became your step mom. Perhaps it's time they had their own life, just the two of them again... But what about all the good times they had with you too? It would feel like such a betrayal to leave your father for his son... But then again, you're not really her son either... Damn emotions.

"Well, I'm just glad you're home sweetie." She says finally with a small smile before leaning in to kiss your cheek. "Why don't we go upstairs and you can unpack or something? Then maybe we can order some pizza or play a game or something?" Her voice trembles slightly at the mention of playing, thinking about how much more fun she had with you when you were younger. Maybe that's what they both need... some more one-on-one time together. It would make everything feel right again.

She turns to lead the way upstairs, walking with her hips swaying gently as if unconsciously trying to draw your attention. But she mustn't think of such things. Must keep it platonic. "So what did you want to do tonight before I go all mom on you?" She teases with a small laugh, trying to lighten the mood between them.

"Maybe watch a movie or something?" You suggest shyly as you follow her up the stairs.

Her cheeks flush at the comment, but she forces herself not to react too much. It's not like you could tell anyway with her brunette hair always in her face. She continues walking upstairs, glancing back over her shoulder at you as she does. "Okay then, which movie did you have in mind?"

When she reaches the top of the stairs, scarlet turns to head down the hallway towards your room. "You go ahead and pick out something from my DVD collection and I'll get us some snacks. Sound good?" She asks with a soft smile, not meeting your eyes as she does so.

"Sure thing." You say, following her down the hall. The tension between you two is palpable but at least it's not entirely uncomfortable... yet.