Avery sucked on his top lip, worrying at the edge of his in his teeth. The answer he'd wanted was "No, I want to be with my family" and then they would've had a normal Christmas and all would've been fine. But that was never going to happen. And shit, now this was going to require backstory.
He sighed through his nose and took a drink. "So... you know I'm bi, right. I told my family I was gay cos I wanted- ugh, because they're assholes, and if I'd said bi it would've been "just a phase" or whatever. The possibility of a girl would've given them hope." He snorted and shook his head. "And, yeah, well you know Xander was at the party and we were together and so he told her. It's bullshit, but... he wanted to get back at me I guess. Anyway, now my Mom thinks she can convince me to be "normal" if she makes friends with you. She has never ever invited anyone else I've ever dated, even for dinner, but the first sign of convention, and suddenly..." He rolled his eyes. Lyra would understand, right? She'd understand, and not want a bar of it.