Lauren waited as Tom unlocked his door and then lead them in. On the couch, Steve was smoking a cigarette. Tom walked over to him, snatched up the pack of cigarettes, pulled one out, and lit it up. "Thanks for asking," Steve said sarcastically. Tom just laughed as Steve got up and left. Lauren smiled and plopped down on the couch. Tom sat down next to her and put his arm around her. "I'm really sorry about tonight. I ruined it and I know it." "I don't really want to think about that shit," Tom replied, blowing smoke at the ceiling. "Do you forgive me?" "I'm just about the most forgiving person on this fucking planet. Yes, I forgive you." "I just want don't want these other girls to think you're flirting with them or like them or something," she said. "Listen to me, Lauren, everyone in this whole world should know that I'm with you and that I like only you. If they don't, they're pretty blind," he said lifting up her chin. "You don't talk about me around them, do you?" Tom laughed, "No, I don't, Lauren. You're just some girl, you know, when I'm around other girls. Of course, I talk about you! You're my fucking girlfriend." "So which is it? Do you talk about me or not?" Lauren asked laughing, trying to get a rise out of him. He attacked her and started tickling her. She thrust around, screaming, before he finally fell off the couch. Lauren tried to cover her mouth and laughter, but couldn't. Tom just lay sprawled on the ground, shirt half up. She got down off the couch and pulled herself onto him. "You got my ass down," Tom said smiling at her. She couldn't help but smile herself, "That'll show you not to tickle me ever again." He couldn't make himself wait until she kissed him, so he leaned in for the kiss himself. "I like you so damn much," he told her. She smiled, "I like you too, Tom." She wrapped her hands around his waist, feeling his bare skin on hers. He pulled off his shirt and was now only in his shorts. "We might want to get up off the floor," he whispered into her ear. She laughed, holding onto the couch to pull herself up. "Help," he told her. Lauren sighed and then held out her hand. He held onto it and got up. He laid down on the couch and Lauren lay beside him. They had to huddle together so that they could both fit. They both looked at the TV, but neither Lauren nor Tom could have told you what was on.