Pitch woke up in a bit of a daze, having not even realized he had dozed off for a few hours. It took a moment for his mind to process the fact he was a puddle of extremely fine sand-like particles sitting in a tub with the stopper put in place. Groggy and sluggish he slowly worked his way up and out of the bathroom. He floated towards the living room but stopped when he saw the door to his bedroom open as Kathryn stepped out with a yawn. Wearing only a long shirt as a nightgown and undergarments, her hair was in a scattered mess. The bedhead disaster almost seemed to defy gravity. She scratched at herself in a half asleep state then almost jumped when she saw Pitch there. “Ah, shit! … Don't sneak up on me like that!”

Pitch chuckled. “Sorry, I forget I don't exactly make sounds like footsteps while in this form. Did you sleep well.” Kathryn shrugged. “Could have been better.” She then went to the kitchen and got herself a glass of high pulp orange juice and took a swig. “Bleck, why do you get the high pulp stuff?” Pitch hovered in the next room. “It was my preference before… you know. So it's partly out of habit. I mostly buy food for guests so if you want I'll get the no pulp stuff.” Kathryn smacks her lips a few times. “Nah, I'll get used to it. The texture may feel off to me but I'm not going to ask you to change on my account.”

Pitch then reminded her. “I only eat normal food to look normal and sometimes the pleasure and nostalgia of it. None of the food in the fridge is for me.” Kathryn took another swig and smacked her lips again. “It's actually starting to grow on me already so…” She shrugs as she starts to make breakfast. After a short time she's eating eggs, toast, and bacon in the dining room with a fresh glass of orange juice while Pitch hovers there. “You know Pitch, you don't have to hover in the room with me. You can do your own thing.”

Pitch shifted a bit before responding. “I'm just… trying to be a normal partner. Normally in a relationship when a couple share a home they eat breakfast and talk in the morning. But since I don't require breakfast and you've stated that you're perfectly comfortable with me being in my true form and don't have to pretend to be human around you I have no idea what to do with myself.” Kathryn chuckled. “I'm sure we'll find a new normal eventually. Speaking of normal, I have another day off and was thinking we could visit my parents. I know it still might be a bit too soon but-”

Pitch interrupted her. “After everything I've been through lately, a normal dinner with your family sounds lovely. Besides, it's not like they're complete strangers to me. The context will be different this time but I have met your parents.” Kathryn nods. “My brother will also be there, so prepare yourself for that.” Pitch nods. “Although I suppose this means I'll be sitting at a table and eating food I don't need so as to not offend your dad. I assume he'll be cooking. I know if your mom cooks it'll be something like corn beef and cabbage or shepherd’s pie. I get it, you're Irish.”

Kathryn tilts her head. “Do you not like Irish food?” Pitch shifts his form around trying to express something in body language but isn't sure how with his true form. “I enjoy it just fine, I just don't like that she only knows a handful of dishes. Also, corn beef and cabbage always gave me gas. Though I guess that's not a problem anymore. Besides, if I didn't like it I could just choose to not taste it. I have a limited range of what I can alter with my shell.”

Kathryn nods and continues eating. “I'll send a text to let them know I'm bringing a guest.” She continues eating till the food is done then puts the dishes in a partially loaded dishwasher. “I'm going to shower. Are you?” Pitch shifts in an attempt to convey confusion. “Why would I need to shower? My shell comes out clean when I create it and it's not like I sweat. I might use deodorant to mimic the smell of a normal human but I don't need to keep a regular hygiene plan anymore.” Kathryn was silent for a moment before responding. “Right, I forgot about that.” She then goes to shower.

After a while Kathryn comes back out in clean clothes scrubbing her hair with a towel on. Pitch notices she hasn't put her glasses on yet. “You look really different with your hair down and your glasses off.” Kathryn looked at Pitch. “Do you prefer this look?” Pitch shrugs, the one gesture he's mastered in his true form. “I didn't say I liked it better, just that I'm not used to seeing you this way. Honestly, whatever is most comfortable for you is best.” Kathryn scowls. “I hate those kinds of responses. You are allowed to have a preference, you don't have to go out of your way for me. If you have a hairstyle you like or an outfit type you enjoy I'd be willing to give it a try at least once.”

Pitch took a moment to think. “Sexy librarian or secretary are both solid. Also, I kinda liked when you wore pigtails in highschool.” Kathryn was a bit surprised. “Pigtails, really? I always thought I looked like a dork with pigtails and braces.” Pitch did his best to mimic shaking his head. “You looked like a cute dork.” Kathryn blushed. “O-okay then. Maybe I'll dress up for you another time. Today I'm looking nice for my folks.” Pitch mimics a nod before forming a shell with semi-formal clothes on. “I'm ready when you are.”

The pair grabbed a few things and packed them in the car with Pitch driving to Kathryn's parents' house. They arrive at a humble home at the edge of the city before it gives way to farmland. Pitch pulls into the driveway and mentally prepares himself. He looks at a big red truck also in the parking lot. “I see Cu is already here. I guess there's nothing left to it but to do it.” Kathryn gave Pitch a light tap on the shoulder. “You got this.” Before opening the door and getting out. Pitch also gets out of the jeep and the two grab hands before walking to the door.

Kathryn took a few breaths before ringing the doorbell. After a short moment the door was opened by a woman who looked like an older version of Kathryn but as a redhead without glasses. The woman was also dressed in tighter fitting clothes that accentuated her assets. Deeper in the door was a large and muscular blonde man who had noticeable age wrinkles who was standing next to what looked like a younger version of himself with strawberry blonde hair.

The woman smiled at the two and moved to invite them in, speaking in a subtle accent. “My kitty has come home! And she brought a friend. A-” the woman paused before putting an extreme and unnecessary emphasis on the word “boyfriend”. Cuda looked over to Pitch and lit up. “James?! James Holden?! My God it's been years! How have you been, man?” The large man raised an eyebrow. “You know this young man?” Cuda chuckled. “Yeah, bro went to highschool with us.”

Kathryn nodded. “We reunited through my job, he's a janitor and electrical mechanic there. He worked there for years without me noticing but one day we bumped into one another and started talking again. We sort of started forming a bond over some crazy stuff at work lately and next thing you know we're having regular movie nights and going out to eat.” Pitch then nods. “I've actually met you all before, many years ago in passing.”

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The father grumbles and crosses his arms and practically stomps his way over to Pitch. “Well since you likely didn't catch or remember our names, allow us to reintroduce ourselves.” He reached out a hand for Pitch to shake. “I'm Jacobi, but Mr. Smith is preferred.” Pitch gives the man a firm handshake, doing his best not to put too much into it. The mother smiled at the interaction. “Just call me Fia.” Pitch gives the woman a nod. “My name's James. Nice to meet you all. And yes Cuda, I remember you.”

Cuda also gives Pitch a big smile. “When I heard my sister was bringing a guest I didn't expect it to be someone I already knew, but then again I always did think you two should have hooked up back in highschool.” Pitch let's go of Jacobi’s hand. “I… had a lot going on back then.” Fia started moving everyone to the kitchen. “Let's get started on the family dinner then and make our guest feel right at home.”

Everyone sat at the table as Fia set out food at the center of the table. “Now I don't know how your parents raised you, but we say grace in this house.” Pitch sighed. “My parents didn't exactly do church or grace when I was growing up. But I'll respect that you do it.” Jacobi crosses his arms and lets out a displeased grunt. “Were you at least baptized?” Kathryn responded with an exasperated “Daaaaaad.” Pitch looked at Jacobi. “My grandma insisted I be baptized so yeah. In fact I was baptized at Saint Emmanuel Lutheran right here in New Arkham.”

Jacobi grumbles a bit more, as if displeased. Kathryn glares at him. “Dad, I'm a scientist. I don't care if the guy I pick is the “right kind of Christian”. I don't even care if he believes in God.” Jacobi lets out a grunt. “Well you should. If things get serious and you tie the knot, don't you want your lover to be with you in heaven after you die?” Kathryn turns her head away from Jacobi. “I'm not having this conversation with you dad. If there is a heaven and a god I highly doubt he cares if we worship him. It would be awfully vain to punish someone for eternity when their only crime was not believing you existed.”

Jacobi grumbles but remains silent. Fia sets the last few items on the table, having set up something akin to a Thanksgiving Day feast. She then sits between her husband and daughter. “Alright everyone, join hands.” Pitch grabs Kathryn’s hand on his right and Cuda's on his left as Fia says grace. She ends with an “amen” and everyone starts eating. Fia gives her husband a look. “Honey, I want you to say something nice about our guest. Be a good host and be civil.” Jacobi grumbles. “Custodian work and electrical mechanics aye? Sounds like a real proper job for a man. Explains the solid handshake despite how skinny and pale you look.”

Pitch sighs. “It's fine if you don't like me Mr. Smith. The only person here that needs to like me is your daughter. I didn't come here seeking your approval or your blessing. I came here because my girlfriend wanted me to have dinner with her folks.” Jacobi crosses his arms with a scowl before a light barely noticeable smile crept onto his face. “Well you've got spunk, I'll give you that.” Fia chuckled. “So Kitten, when can we expect grandchildren?”

Despite his anatomy, Pitch practically started to choke on the bite of food in his mouth. Kathryn looked at the table. “M-mom! It's far too early to be thinking of that!” Pitch leaned back in his chair, as the reminder that he probably couldn't have kids hit him. Fia laughed. “Sorry, sorry. It's just that Cuda has been too focused on his career to bring home a girl. I understand wanting to be stable on your own before trying to be with someone else, but I was already married to your father and expecting Cu when I was your age.”

Kathryn groans. “Mom, I'm only twenty five and Cu is only a year older than me. We have plenty of time.” Cuda was eyeing the table. “I… do have someone but it's far too soon to bring them home. I'm taking things slowly this time around. I'm not making the same mistake twice.” Pitch gives Cuda a tap on the shoulder and could feel the mix of emotions coming off him. “Hey man, you don't need to please your parents with your choice. As long as you're happy and like being with them that's all that should matter.” Fia nods. “I agree with James. Whoever you bring, as long as they make you happy, I'll be happy. Your dad might be a sourpuss about it, but if you give him time I'm sure you'll find him warming up to them.”

Cuda smiled. “Thanks mom, James. I needed that.” The group finished their meals with some mild casual banter before Pitch started to grab empty dishes and bring them over to the sink to be washed. Fia smiling at him. “What a gentleman. You don't have to help clean up.” Pitch shook his head. “I used to do this for my own family whenever we had big meals like Thanksgiving. I actually kinda miss helping out like this.” Fia tilted her head. “Did you… have a falling out with your family.”

Pitch shook his head. “My parents aren't around anymore. They were in an accident shortly after I reached adulthood.” Fia put her hand by her mouth. “Aww you poor thing. That's terrible. Well, if you slip up and accidentally call me mom, I won't mind. I'm not going to force the issue though.” Pitch nods. “I think it's a bit early to be calling you mom.” Fia continued to give Pitch a large genuine smile. After the clean up is finished Cuda starts packing up. “I have an early start tomorrow. I'll see you guys later. Later James.” With a wave and returned farewells Cuda left the building.

Fia frowns slightly after he leaves before making a single clap with a smile. “How long do you two plan to stay?” Kathryn looked at her watch. “Well we don't have to work until late tomorrow, so we could stay for a bit.” Fia moves things to the living room and turns on the TV. Jacobi sits in a recliner and puts up the foot rest. Fia puts her attention on the couple rather than what's on the TV. “So I assume everything is going well so far between you two. I'm guessing you haven't moved in together or shared a bed yet. So that means you're still in the early stages. Kissing and hand holding?”

Kathryn sighs. “Mom, I'm not going to go into graphic details about my love life with you. We haven't gotten that serious yet. We're trying to pace ourselves.” Fia frowns slightly for a moment before returning to her smile. “Well a change of subject then. Maybe I could tell James the old family legend from my side of the family.” Kathryn rolls her eyes. “I don't want to hear about how our ancestor was blessed by a fairy for the hundredth time.” Pitch looked at her, then her mom. “I'm interested to hear at least a little bit about it.”

Fia lit up. “Well I won't do the whole story since Kat can do that. But basically many generations ago my Irish ancestor saved a fae, because of this he blessed her with a child and good luck.” Pitch moved his attention back and forth between Fia and Kathryn. “With good luck you say?” Pitch remembered the file on Kathryn that mentioned her anomaly manifested as probability manipulation. In more simple terms, a good luck aura. With a range that seemed to match the empathetic aura that Pitch inherited from his human self. The theory that these anomalous abilities came from interactions with Cryptids seemed to hold water if stories like this that were somewhat common were true.

The couple continued to casually talk with Fia for a while as Jacobi took a nap watching sports from his recliner. As it got late in the night the two eventually said their farewells. They packed back into the Jeep and started the trip back to Pitch's house. “I think that went well.” Kathryn was genuinely enthusiastic about how well received Pitch seemed to be. Pitch nodded. “Although he came off as cold, I think your dad started to like me by the end of the dinner. So all in all a success.” Kathryn fidgeted with her fingers. “Can you… take me home with you tonight?”

Pitch chuckled. “Sure, but if you keep spending the night over we might have to think about making it a permanent move.” Pitch was attempting to make a joke but Kathryn didn't laugh. She only fidgeted more. “Would you… like me to?” Pitch took a moment to respond. “I thought we were trying to pace ourselves?” Kathryn fidgeted more. “That wasn't what I asked…” Pitch sighed. “I mean… of course I'd like for you to live with me eventually. I just don't want to rush into anything and mess it up.”

Kathryn nodded and after a while they pulled up on Pitch's house. They grabbed their things and brought them in. Once everything was inside and out of the way Pitch gestured to the bedroom. “It's all yours.” Kathryn started walking, tired and ready to sleep. She stopped after a few steps and hesitated for a moment. Pitch was about to walk off but Kathryn reached out and grabbed his hand, pulling him back. He looks at her as she stares right into his eyes. She didn't speak, but she didn't need to.

Pitch could feel the anxious and nervous energy coming off Kathryn, he gripped her hand a bit tighter before pulling her in for a passionate kiss. Pressing lips together firmly and deeply the two embraced one another in a hug as they locked lips for a moment. After a bit Kathryn pulled away. “I… I love you.” Pitch smiled. “I love you too.”