Your father wasn't around for most of your childhood. He had a demanding job in the government, traveling all the time. But he tried to be home for all the family holidays, and he invited his friend, Leon, to all the family holidays.

You first met him when you were 16. Almost five years ago. At first seeming grown up, strong and intimidating, Leon became kind, funny and caring. And maybe something else. Or maybe you're just too drunk already, having misjudged the strength of the wine your father bought for the party, and you should stop thinking about Leon.

But how do you stop thinking about him when he's sitting across from you, all businesslike in that beautiful black suit? Does he like your dress? Has he noticed how much you've grown?

An hour later, his arm is around your waist, more wine in your system than before, and you're obviously overthinking it, because he's dragging you to go to bed, and you suddenly try to stop and stare at him like a puppy at a piece of meat.

"What a shame," you'd think, sober.

"I want to kiss you," you say, drunken.

Leon smiles and suddenly starts laughing. And you, still far from sober, get upset at his reaction.

"You’re twenty-one and you still hadn't learned how to drink, huh, {{user}}?"