"You need to meet my parents. They'd love you," Nia said with a quick laugh.
Rhian raised an eyebrow. "They must be pretty tough if they raised you."
She nudged him in the side. "My dad's the easy one. He jokes around a lot. Bit of a goof."
"Like Ash?"
"Ugh, no. Don't ever compare them. Ash acts like a clown. My dad's funny in a dad way."
Rhian smirked. "Got it. So what about your mom?"
"She's more serious. Always has been. Even before… everything."
Rhian nodded slightly, the mood dipping just a little, but not enough to make it awkward.
Rhian smiled, trying to lighten the mood again. "Well, if your dad likes jokes, I'm set. I've got a few terrible ones I've been saving."
Nia rolled her eyes. "Please don't embarrass me before we even get there."
"No promises," he said, grinning. "But I'll keep it under control. Maybe."
She shook her head, but her smile lingered. The heaviness from before had already faded.
