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Daren shook his head, "No, James. it isn't just because you got out of the hospital. it's a party to celebrate your new start on life. you were released from so much more than just a hospital, JAmes. You're free now. free to live whatever life you choose and that is what we will be celebrating. don't you think your freedom is worth two, three, even four or five parties? and i'd still argue that wasn't enough, but that's just me. we can have a party every week if you want it and it would make ypu happier." he winked at James and stood up, patting his shoulder, "would you like something to drink? some water or tea maybe?"

Daren shrugged, "They don't need to know details. all they know is you've been out of contact for a long time, are out of the hospital and want to get back together with them. that, to me, is more than enough reason to party." he was on his way to the kitchen when he heard the compliment and his ears turned a little red, "Y-you think so? i don't think i'm any nicer than any other decent person." he got them large glasses of ice water and carried them back, giving one to James, "thank you, though. i'm glad that you think i am nice." and he was, if James thought he was nice then it was more likely that James would trust him a little more

Daren's ears turned a little bit darker red, something he wished he could stop them from doing. when he was startled embarrassed, liked with James' mothers getting nice view of the body he prefered to keep covered, his cheeks turned red, but when he was truly embarrassed, it was his ears the reddened. "yes, very much so. why not youtube how to throw a welcome home party? i bet you could get some good ideas from there. you don't have to plan this alone, or at all if you don't want to. one word to Anna and she'll be more than willing to help. she loves throwing parties."

Ok, time to take the subject off of himself. "not really, you are the smart one. i could never work in a business like you. i'm way more bronze than brains, i promise you that." at James' hesitation, Daren put his drink down and slipped a hand over Daren's "That's not true. they weren't embarrassed in the least, and you did nothing wrong. I bet asking for her to bring cookies or something will make her really happy. she's not the kind of person to get mad at others or impatient, which is why she's so amazing with the kids." he gave the hand a little squeeze, "you don't need to worry about them. they put up with me, and that makes them saints in of itself!"

Daren couldn't help it, he started laughing. "I'm sorry, i should laugh..." he leaned back on the couch and let his head fall back against the soft cushions, "just the idea of me as a saint." he started to laugh again, his hand over his eyes as he tried to calm down. "you need to tell the guys at my station that, they will get a kick out of it too." he wiped the tears away and sat back up, shaking his head, "though Anna might be right there with you on that line of thought. No, i'm no Saint. firstly i don't believe in God, at least if there is one out there i'd love to give him a piece of my mind. i've seen too much s**t to believe there's some guy up there watching us and claiming to love everyone. he's doing a s**t poor job if he's really there." he shook his head against, rubbing the back of his neck, "so you're good at math, huh? i'm alright at it, but not great. not really. that's impressive that you were able to do his homework, though. maybe i'll have you help me balance my checkbook someday, i'm terrible at that sort of thing"

"that's damned impressive to me. if you want to, i won't make you, but if you need something to do have at it. but don't worry about the religion thing, you can talk about it all you want if you are a believer. i was just saying one of the reasons why i could never be a saint." he shrugged and leaned back again, noticing James had rolled himself back slightly and had looked rather frightened at his laughter. had Givens laughed when hurting him and now laughing just brought back memories? James was a prime example of why he didn't believe in God. what kind of benevolent father would allow someone so sweet and kind like James to be tortured to such a degree? no, he couldn't allow himself to believe it. "there are very few accountants in the world who can do the job well, James. and they are so valued that their pay is higher than most people make for a job that is, according to you, easy. forgive me for not believing you when you say that it isn't impressive to be able to do all of that. but anyways, have you found any videos that might help out with the party planning?"

Daren smiled as he watched James trying to hold back laughter, "i really don't know, but some people do rather stupid things for no other reason than just to do them. here," he turned the laptop towards himself and typed in "jackass", pulling up dozens of videos. he clicked on randomly and turned it back to face James, "these guys are infamous for doing just that. i doubt they will ever be able to have kids thanks to how many times they hit themselves in the nuts, but that might also be a good thing..."

Daren had found himself watching James more than the videos, and the man's face had been priceless. "ah yes, sorry. it's gotten late hasn't it? let's see, your moms left us some food. we just need to wamr it up so that's nice to not have much of a wait." he pushed James to the dining room and quickly got out everything the women had brought, heating what needed to be heated before taking it to the table. soon heir laces were set and he sat down, having refilled their waters as well as brought a jug of water just in case. "there we are. go ahead and take as much as you want."