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queers-gambit · 7 months

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Dinner At The Homesick Restaurant

( a 303-page novel by Anne Taylor )

prompt: behind closed doors, many families have secret turmoil. you experience your boyfriend's with him one fateful Christmas. or how Carmy finally made the decision to get away.

pairing: Carmen 'Carmy' Berzatto x female!reader pairing: Carmy x Peach

fandom masterlist: FX's The Bear

word count: 10.4k+

note: highly recommend the book. also let author write out her stress and trauma please, this was GOING TO get deleted but 10k is a lot of effort so please be kind in what you say.

warnings: spoilers, cursing, toxic family, small hurt and comfort, loving someone despite toxic situations beyond anyone's control, Lord's name in vain, a little of what happens after THAT scene, reader nicknamed Peach.

⚠️ season two, episode six spoilers

"What're you readin', Peach?"

You looked up through the lens of your glasses, smiling at your questioning boyfriend as his bare feet slapped the polished floors of the hotel suite you sought refuge in. You greeted with a soft tease, "Good morning to you, too, sunshine."

"Yeah, yeah. You're right, sorry, hi," he smirked, bending down to kiss your lips in greeting. "Been up long?"

"No, no, just about a chapter or so," you lied, not wanting him to know you've been up for hours out of sheer anxiety. "I made us some coffee, too."

"My perfect girl," he smirked, bending to kiss you again. "Want a refill?"

"I'm okay, thank you." It was quiet for a moment before you heard Carmy fucking around in the kitchen, trying to focus on the novel in your lap, but being most unsuccessful. "Don't forget about tonight," you called in reminder, wondering how to broach the subject before just ripping the Bandaid off.

"What's tonight, again?"

"Carmy."

"I'm kidding," he chuckled, exiting the kitchen to take a seat on the couch at your feet, bringing them onto his lap. "I know, we're gonna go over at, like, 2..."

You nodded absently, seeing the distant look in his eye. "Are you sure it's okay for me to come?" You wondered, nudging him with your foot.

"Hmm?" Carmy looked at you in confusion. "Peach, you've been before, why would it be weird now?"

"I don't know, I wasn't a girlfriend all those times I attended."

"Oh, you're a girlfriend this year? Hmm... To who?"

Your eyes rolled as you pinched him; loving the easy smile on his lips. "Not funny, I'm just trying to be sensitive to all parties," you pouted.

"I know," he allotted, taking a mouthful of coffee before setting his mug down. He started rubbing your feet and ankles, admitting, "I'm a little nervous, I guess..."

"I know."

"It's nice that you'll be there," he nodded, sighing. "They all still give me shit for going away."

"I know, and it's not fair to you," you assured, "you don't deserve that kinda treatment. Say the word, Bear, and we'll skip it."

"Too late now," he wiped his tired eyes. "I need a smoke, Peach."

"I'm gonna hop a shower."

"I'll be in," he smirked, standing with his coffee after gently lifting your feet from his lap. You watched him move for the balcony sans a shirt and frowned when your mind repeated the passage you had just read. Quickly, you opened your book again and read what made your heart so very heavy:

"'You think we're a family,' said Cody, turning back. 'You think we're some jolly, situation-comedy family when we're in particles, torn apart all over the place, and our mother was a witch.'"

The similarities were eery. You saw Carmy light up through the glass door of your rented hotel suite, knowing his family was falling apart and he was powerless to it all; they all were. Carmy, his siblings, any loved ones... You tossed the book on the table, stood, and moved for the balcony.

Carmy leaned on the railing, glancing over shoulder as your arms slithered around his middle. With a kiss to his bare shoulder, you whispered, "I love you, Cream. So much."

He took a long, steadying breath, but replied with full sincerity, "I know, and I love you, too, Peach. So much."

Yeah, that's right, bitches. You were Peaches and Cream. Did it get cuter than that? Didn't think so!

Another kiss to his shoulder and you promised, "I'll be with you the whole time."

"I know."

"You're not alone."

"I know," he sighed. "I just... I know what we're walking into."

"We'll get through it - whatever happens. C'mon, come get a shower with me. It'll save water and shit."

However, you probably used about twice as much because as obvious romp in the glass-stall started. When clean, you both got out, dried off, did your hair, then your make-up; then both getting dressed and ready for one helluva holiday.

On the way, you stopped to pick up flowers for Carmy's mother, Donna, keeping hold of the homemade peach cobbler you had prepared. The whole drive, Carmy kept a possessive hand on your thigh; his nerves showing through as he nervously tapped a rhythm to your flesh. You reminded him to breathe, but he couldn't focus long enough to keep himself regulated.

You tried distracting him with conversation, but nothing stuck for too long. You tried letting a hand thread into his curls, but it didn't soothe him like it usually did.

Arriving, you and Carmy just sat in your car for a long moment. You didn't rush him, you did't speak, you just held his hand with one hand as the other extended to toy with the hair at the nape of his neck; and waited for his move. "All right," he cleared his throat, throwing his cigarette butt out the window before rolling it up and cutting the engine. "You ready?"

"We got this," you assured softly.

"There you are," Carmy smirked, hands catching your waist as you tried to pass through the hall, "thought you ran outa here already."

"We're just warming up," you purred, his chest to your back; your arms crossed to hold onto his engorged biceps. You grinned as your foreheads met for a fleeting moment of peace.

"I'm really happy you're here," he whispered.

"Me, too."

"Love you, Peach."

"Love you, Cream," you sang, making him chuckle a little.

"You know, some of the guys thought you and I finally getting together is all some big cover story."

"Oh, yeah?"

"Mhm," he hummed, snuggling into your embrace as you both found a secular moment of seclusion to get in a much-needed recharge. "Say you're actually dating some hunky Italian model dude."

You hissed between your teeth, "So, so close, but he's actually French."

Carmy chuckled, then took a sobering breath and glanced over his shoulder. "Should get back. I found Mikey and Nat - they were on the front stoop, smoking."

"Good," you mused, turning in his embrace. "Gimme a kiss, please, then you can go," you pouted.

He looked up, then at you with mocking confusion, "But there's no mistletoe."

"I wanna kiss."

He snickered at your pouting, fat lip, leaning in to find your lips with his. There was a brief moment outside of time, space, and reality; and it was when you and Carmy kissed. God, was he a good kisser, albeit a bit wet, but still a damn-good kisser; and you relished every moment of it. His taste was like an intoxication. His hands hot. Smell prickled your sinuses delightfully. Body firm, love warm.

"Ewww," Fak gagged when he saw you two, "get a room, nobody wants to see that! Ugh! God!" He shuffled past you.

"Fak," you snipped, watching him pause.

"Sorry, Peach," he sighed, leaning in to peck your cheek. "You look beautiful as ever."

You hummed, patted his cheek, and then took Carmy's hand to enter the kitchen after Fak where Donna worked frantically. "Hi, Mama, Dee!" You greeted cheerfully, Carmy's hand already sweating.

"Oh! Hi, my baby, Peaches! Oh, good, good, good, you made it!" Donna rushed over to kiss your cheeks, hands held out to not get grease or sauce or fish on you. "You look so beautiful!" She gasped, "Oh, honey, you look - wow! Stunning! Just stunning!"

"Oh, you just like flattering me," you teased, feeling Carmy's hand tighten. "Something smells so fucking amazing - oh, this is going to be a dinner for the books, huh?"

"Who's flattering who now?" She laughed.

"It's not flattery when it's completely true," you laid on thick, hoping the compliments bulked up to fluff her ego enough to save the family from an inevitable breakdown later.

"Did you bring your cobbler?" She asked with glee.

"Of course," you beamed, "I couldn't come here without one, that'd just be criminal!" Donna laughed with you, and you thought now was a good time to ask, "Can I help with anything?"

"What? Oh! No, no, no, honey, Peaches, no, no, no, I just want you to get a drink and go talk - go mingle! It's the holidays!"

You looked at Carmy as she went back to cooking, flabbergasted as to what you could say. "I'm gonna stay, you go - sit," He whispered with pinched brows and nodding his head, rubbing your waist. "Go 'head, baby, it's okay."

"I could peel - "

"It's alright, Peach," he chuckled, pecking your lips. "Go." His lips moved to your ear, "I want you good and drunk by tonight so we can have really dirty sex later, huh?"

"Deal," you purred. "But I can sit over there - "

"Peach."

You glanced at Donna, then at Carmy, whispering, "I just want to help."

"I know, Peach. Not right now though, okay?"

"She likes me, though." He nodded in agreement, looking ready to cave. "Stop trying to get outta this, Carmy, and just accept it," you smirked. "I'm gonna get some wine and be back."

He hummed as you kissed him in parting, and when you exited, missed the way Donna smirked at Carmy, "Can't leave a room without a kiss? Didn't think you'd ever be so possessive, Carmy, honey."

"I'm not, she likes it," he eased. "Here, let me get that," he freed her hands, trying not to snap when she picked up her wine immediately after. Carmen got to work doing what his mother barked at him, but then the Faks came in, and you returned, and then Mikey arrived - it all turning into an overcrowded shit-show.

"Where's the cake!?" Donna worried.

"It's defrosting, Ma," Carmen answered.

"Ma, why don't you let him help you?" Mikey sneered. "It's, like, all he fucking does, he'd be great."

"What was that? Was that, like, a shot?" Carmy snapped.

"Baby, don't, c'mon," you tried, reaching for his waist to curl your fingers so he felt your long nails. Not too hard, just enough to assure him you had ahold of him.

But Carmen couldn't let it go, even when his mother tired to diffuse the siblings. He snarled at his older brother, "I'm the guy that does food. You're the guy that what? Y-Y-You, uh, start a hundred different businesses and have zero follow-through."

"Carmy, don't," you tried, but it was lost to the sea of voices all talking at once.

But his brother was antagonizing, his mother deflecting, and he snapped, "This is why - This is why I didn't wanna come home, why I didn't wanna bring Peaches home to you all."

You remained silent when his mother snapped, "Oh, fuck you!"

"What the fuck!? What!?"

"Why the fuck would you say that?" Donna snarled.

"It's fuckin' Christmas," Mikey tacked on. They both over lapped one another, and Carmy felt backed into a corner.

"Not in front of my girl, man, fuck," Carmy had snipped at them.

"Say the fuckin' words!"

Carmy paused, then answered, "I love you, guys."

His mother was pleased and kissed his cheek, going back to cooking as Mikey kissed Carm's head. He looked over at you, mutely taking your outstretched hand to give a squeeze for each count to five; regulate his breathing, and then nodding in assurance he was okay. He went back to doing whatever his mother directed. Before he could slip away, you leaned into his ear, whispering, "I'm gonna step out."

"Good," he nodded, glancing back at his mom - but Donna was distracted. "I'll find you soon," he promised, pecking your lips before you exited the kitchen.

"Hey! Hey, Peach!"

"Hi, Mikey," you smiled, looking up at him when you paused outside the kitchen.

"Listen, uh... I just, uh... Look, I know I put you in a weird position," he sighed, hand to the back of his neck.

"How so?"

"By callin' you... Textin' you..."

"You want to check on Carmy," you sighed, "and you're as good as my real brother, so, I don't mind."

"It feels wrong since, you know, y'all are together now or somethin'."

"Mikey," you eased, "I was your guys' friend first, then I was family, and then I was Carmy's girlfriend. If you need your friend or your sister, I'm here, but if you need Carmy's girlfriend, I'll have to tell him. Get it?"

He chuckled, "I knew you'd understand."

"All too well," you eased.

"He doin' all right...?"

"He will be. He's just," you took a pause to sigh, "really tired and stressed. He works really hard, Mikey... Like really, really hard. Like you wouldn't believe."

"Nah, I know, Peaches, I know."

"Might be nice for him to hear that sometimes."

"That's what I'm fucking talking about!"

You apologized and had to leave Michelle when you heard Carmen's elevated voice, excusing yourself to look around the corner and spot your boyfriend in some heated argument with his brother and his brothers best friend, who they called Cousin, Richie Jerimovich. You were about to step in when you froze, hearing the argument without the guys realizing you were standing there.

"Seriously?" Mikey laughed. "You seriously think you're gonna keep a girl like Peach? Man, we all know this is some bullshit fling, but seeing Claire Bear - Man Alive!"

"That doesn't even make sense!" Carmy snapped.

"Oh, c'moonnnn, Carmy," Richie groaned, "look, I love her, I do, but we all know there ain't no way Peach is, like, girlfriend material. She's still sowing her wild oats, you know, just, fuckin' around and shit!"

"Fuck did you say!?" Carmy snarled, lunging for Richie but being caught by Fak's faster hands. "Huh!? The fuck did you just say!? Callin' my girl a slut? Fuck are you on about - "

"No, I ain't say - "

"Better watch your fucking mouth," Carm growled, "and learn to respect our relationship 'cause neither of us are goin' anywhere. Peach is here to stay - like it or not - and she's here to stay with me!"

"But you had such the crush on Claire - "

"I had a crush on Peach, too!"

"But Claire - "

"Nothing about Claire, Jesus, fuck! I don't need y'all fucking meddling! Peach and i are good, fuck you doin' set me up with some other chick!? I don't want nobody else - I got the girl of my fuckin' dreams, fuck you guys doin' tryna ruin that!?"

"We're just tryna help you, man, talk you up, man! Fuck! Don't gotta sound so ungrateful - "

"You don't need to! You don't need to talk me up to anybody, you fuckin' idiots! I have Peach! I don't need you to talk me up because I'm good, okay? I'm good. I got Peach, I'm committed to her, so don't try to talk me up to anyone for any fucking reason - good intentions or not!"

"Y'all aren't even serious!" Mikey laughed loudly. "C'mon! Peach isn't a relationship kinda girl, ain't no way you're thinkin' y'all are gonna last or be some, like, serious thing. You're just bored! But we're telling you, man, Carmy, you don't gotta be anymore, 'cause Claire Bear is - "

"Not my fucking girl!" Carm snapped, temper loosening. "Fuck off! Ain't got nothing decent to say - then just shut the fuck up!"

They called Steven in and you panicked for a millisecond before evening your stride to look like you just arrived. "Hey," you smiled to the lads, "what's all the yelling about? Jesus Christ, it's like a holiday at my house when Meemaw comes to visit."

"I told you," Carmy's attitude directed at you, making you feel disarmed, "these assholes don't respect our relationship, they were trying to set me up with someone else."

You offered the others a stale look as your hand latched to Carmy's, sounding like a scolding mother, "Real mature, you guys. That's wildly disrespectful and it's hard not to take it personally."

"We don't mean it in a bad way, Peach," Richie sighed, "just that there's other options and neither of you have to settle."

"'Settle'?" Carmy laughed, and you had to readjust your stance to prevent him from charging. "You're forgetting Peach did whatever she could to make us work, she was loyal when none of y'all could bother answering the phone, and she always held me down. And then, when I was finally good, I promised her we could come home. So, you jagoffs owe her your thanks that we're even home this Christmas."

"None needed," you smiled, wanting to start screaming yourself but holding back for the sake of Carmen. "I'm sure their jealousy keeps them warm at night, who am I to take that from them by having them apologize?"

"Don't do that," Mikey groaned. "Get all high and mighty."

"How have I ever? You're the assholes shitting on your brother for having a girlfriend. Just 'cause you've all thought about me when self-pleasuring, doesn't mean take your jealousy out on our relationship."

The argument started up again, sighing as you didn't engage but instead tried to hold your boyfriend back when he bared his teeth at a few comments hurled at you both. You flinched away when Mikey started reaching for Carmy to physically pick at him, inciting his anger; making him snap back to not "fucking touch" him.

"Mikey, please," you tried to stave off, but Richie reached out and lugged a heavy arm around your shoulders. "Richie, for fuck's sake. C'mon, just fuck off. Mikey, don't fucking touch him - c'mon, guys!"

"Awh, you get so defensive for him, it's so cute," Richie laughed, jostling you a little as Mikey and Carmy still snapped and snarled at each other in the way only siblings could.

"'Cause y'all don't know how to fuckin' stop," you pushed Richie off you. But then...

"HEY!"

You flinched when a wooden spoon flew through the air to hit Stevie, who yelped in shock from the sting. "Hey! What the fuck?" He looked up and asked, "Auntie D, did you just throw a spoon at me?"

"Yeah, I did," Donna snarled, hanging in the doorway. "You, Richard, bring her the pop - "

"Deedee - "

"You, Carmen, I need you!"

This triggered another avalanche of voices to overlap one another. You moved towards Carmy as Mikey approached his mother, hearing Richie tell Carmen, "We're not done about this Claire Bear thing."

"Yes, you fucking are," you snapped, pushing Richie a half-step back. "Fuck off, Cousin, you're taking this too far."

"I only meant - "

"We all know what y'all mean, but go fuck yourself! We're happy, now either accept that or fuck off 'cause you're not gonna come between us. Go, goodbye, go, go, go tend to your pregnant wife - go, goodbye, fuck you," he tried to talk over you, sounding amused, "Merry Christmas, I love you and shit, but fuck you, go away."

He backed off as Stevie left the room, allowing you to turn for Carmy as he leaned on the arm of an armchair. His head shook and reached for you, bringing you in closer until his head rested on your stomach and his arms coiled in a vice grip. You frowned and thread your fingers through his hair, hearing his mother starting up another tangent about needing Carmen. With a sigh, he looked up at you, "Thank you."

"Hmm?"

"For just being here," he whispered. "I'm sorry about them."

"They're breaking your balls, baby," you smiled, curling his curls behind his ears. "C'mon, we should go help your mama."

Carmy sighed and stood to his feet, "You don't have to stay."

"But then how will I know you're okay?" You pouted, watching him smile and wrap his arms around your waist.

"I'm sorry about them," he whispered. "They don't - they don't know what the fuck they're talking about."

"It's okay," you matched his tone, ignoring your own burning-hot emotions. "They're just jealous."

He nodded, hearing his mother snarl something else about needing him; making Carmy sigh. His lips found yours in a slow kiss, pausing to lean his forehead on yours, "Really grateful you're here with me, Peach."

"Nowhere else I'd rather be, Cream," you grinned, starting to lead him back towards the kitchen.

"Hang on," he paused you, glancing around to see nobody lingering. "You know I love you, Peach, right?"

"And you know I'm very serious about this relationship, Carmy, right?"

He rested against you, breathing, "I know." Then his lips spread in a grin, "Gonna marry you one day, Peach."

"Good," you teased, but being honest, "because I can't see spending my life with anyone else but you, Cream. I mean, who else has a family this entertaining?"

He laughed as he followed after you.

"Help me, Peach, please, Goddamn it," Donna grunted, trying to lift a heavy, full cast iron pot. "There we go," she mused when you gabbed the other end to put it back on the burner. You didn't comment that it was the same pot she had Carmy move earlier, just doing as she asked.

She only let you in the kitchen because of Carmy.

Speaking of... "Behind, baby," Carmy muttered, a hand ghosting your waist as he moved. Sugar appeared and you only tried to minimize yourself as eight different timers were ringing for any unknown fucking reason.

Donna sent Carmy off to get saltines for a pregnant, nauseous Tiff, leaving you three women. "Oh!" Donna gasped, "You're almost empty! Here, here, Peach, here you go!" She cheered when she saw your nearly-empty wine glass. Sugar sent you a long look, and you knew this was eating her alive to watch her mother like this; but you hoped you were enough of a buffer for them.

A few minutes later, Donna asked if you could go grab another bottle of wine for you two to share. You froze, between a rock and a hard place; knowing you shouldn't but not wanting to upset the host. You had once done the same with your own mother, perhaps being a reason you didn't go home for holidays.

"Yeah, of course, one second, Miss Lady," you told Donna, sending a confused look to Sugar.

When you walked out, you nearly ran straight into Carmy. "Shit," he breathed, "sorry, baby, didn't mean to run into you like."

"It's okay, but where you goin', speed racer?"

"Mikey's gift," he actually grinned, watching you return his excitement after knowing how much thought he put in.

"You know we're doing exchanges later," you laughed lightly, watching him go. Finding the wine rack, you selected a bottle, and returned to the kitchen where Donna and Sugar were bickering. "Here," you smiled, setting the bottle down to uncork it.

"Thank you, honey," Donna purred, accepting your pour. When she turned for the stove again, you winked at Sugar and discreetly tipped the wine bottle over into the sink to drain it until it was about a quarter way full. "Carm? Where the fuck are my saltines?" She yelled.

When he returned, he gave his mother what she needed before approaching you. "Wanna take a break?" He mumbled.

"Dinner doesn't make itself, baby," you teased.

"Hmm," he hummed, pecking your neck, "I'm gonna run Tiff up some crackers."

You continued your work for several long minutes, when suddenly, Donna pulled one of the seven fishes from the oven. She turned, set it on the counter, but stumbled last second to accidentally knock her wine glass over. The shattering made both Sugar and Donna swear. You wanted to help, but Sugar was already on the floor trying to clean, causing Donna to seethe, "It's like I fuckin' have to do everything for everyone." You and Natalie tried to assure her, but she spoke over any reassurance, "No one fucking lifts a finger to help me."

"Look, I'm getting it right now!"

Donna leered over her daughter, making you freeze, "Can you just go upstairs and get Dad's gun out of my drawer," she held her thumb and pointer finger like a gun, muzzle to her temple, "and I think I'm just gonna blow my fuckin' brains out, and then you guys can make dinner - " Sugar tried to speak over her mother but was unsuccessful, "because I don't think anyone would fuckin' miss me!"

Natalie sobbed as she tried to say anything other than "No! You're okay!" When the older woman gabbed her daughter's cheeks in a pinching-hold, you felt like throwing up as the scene - the words - the actions - it was all too familiar to you. They still yelled over one another, but then, Steven entered the kitchen and disturbed them all.

He only got to greet, "Hey, Donna, Mama D - "

Before Donna screeched at him, "Oh, motherfucking asshole!"

"Out, out, out," You ushered, gently directing Stevie to the door; Sugar repeating what you said as Donna still snarled and yelled and insulted and cursed.

"Get the fuck out!"

"I'm so sorry, Stevie," you whispered when you pushed him out the door. "Thank you for offering, but we got it - it's okay."

You sniffled as Sugar collected the trash and promised to take it out; one of the timers ringing. Donna looked lost and confused as Sugar left, the matriarch whispering, "What's that for?"

"Is it the flounder?"

She didn't answer, lost in her mind, yet muttering, "Nobody would fuckin' miss me."

"Mama D?" You called, watching her startle back into reality. "Is that timer for the flounder?"

"Oh! Right! Yes!" She clapped, pointing at you, "And that's why you're my favorite, Peach. Tell you what," she scoffed, shaking her head, "don't you ever have kids. They fuckin' ruin everything, never show gratitude, never bother to help their fucking mother."

"Well, I'm not thinking about kids yet," you chuckled softly, hoping to distract her. "Still got a lot more life to live before that."

"Just don't do it," she spat. "Even with a sweet boy like Carmy, kids just ruin relationships. Marriage ain't no better, either. What - where's the fucking bread?"

"Here," you sighed, showing her the bread basket.

"Hey," Carmy entered the kitchen, looking exhausted, "can I talk to you for a second, Peach?"

"If your Mama doesn't need me," you nodded, not wanting to tell him too much about what you witnessed.

"I need you everyday, honey," she spoke softly, leaning in to peck your cheek, "but it's fine, it's fine - I don't need help. Go with Carmy. Go, go, go, go."

"Holler if you need us," you smiled, "even if it's just for hot gossip."

"My girl," she teased gently with a wink.

"C'mon," Carmy muttered, taking your hand, and leading you out a side door. He glanced around a few times, finally finding a secluded part of the house. When he came to a halt, you did too, and he sighed as his hands took your waist, "Sugar told me to come rescue you. Said something happened with Mom and I should check on you? The hell happened?"

You shrugged, "Just... Sometimes I forget what family feels like. I left mine for a multitude of reasons, maybe I feel like I fit in better with you Berzatto's. Mama D just got frustrated, and it reminded me of my mom. I wasn't scared, but I think I was triggered."

He nodded, "You need a break."

"I'm okay, I promise."

"You're not," he sighed. "You shouldn't be on the frontlines against her. Okay? It's too stressful for anyone and I need you with me. I need you whole. You know? Need you intact for me, and Ma's only gonna rip you to shreds."

You pouted, "I just... I thought if I helped, she'd feel calmer, maybe save you guys from taking her shit. We used to cook all the time together..."

Carmen sighed, reaching for your cheek to caress your jaw, "You really are a sweetheart." Carmy leaned in and claimed a kiss from your lips, making you both sigh in contentment. When he pulled back, Carmy whispered, "I love you, Peach."

"I love you, too, Bear."

"Carmy!"

He whined, deflating on your shoulder at his mother's cry. "Holidays are almost over, baby. Gotta hang on for a bit, I need you intact, too."

You parted ways, Carmy returning to the kitchen as you meandered around the rest of the rooms, peaking into each of them. "Hey!" Someone cheered, making you look up to a separate doorway leading to a sitting room.

"Oh, shit, hey, Pete!"

"Peaches!"

"Just Peach!"

He laughed and accepted your hug, "Merry Christmas! Happy holidays, seasons greetings, warm tidings, and shit."

"You, too," you cooed, glancing at the tin in his hand. "Oh... Y-You brought something?"

Pete blinked as the room snickered. "Yeah? It's... It's tuna casserole."

"And you brought fish... Why?"

"'Cause it's the Feast of Seven Fishes - "

"And by bringing tuna, it'd be eight fishes."

He sighed, "Yep, so I keep being told."

"I mean, good intentions, honey, but wildly misplaced," you winced. "Probably shouldn't let Carmy see..."

And of course, when you said that, your boyfriend came from behind to clap his hands and call, "Hey, family!" He tried to announce dinner but Pete was too happy to cheer loudly and greet your lover. "Woah, woah, woah. What the fuck is that?" Carmy demanded when he saw the aluminum dish tin.

"Don't tell him," Michelle voted.

"What do you mean, 'don't tell him?'" Mikey followed.

"It's nothin', it's nothin', I - "

"Peach," Carmy looked at you, making you freeze, "what is this? What is that? Peach, the hell is that?"

"Um, well," you tried to smile in reassurance, taking his stiff hand, "you know, you're gonna get mad, but Pete's heart was in the right place."

From behind, "Uncle" Lee told Carmy, "It's a tuna casserole."

You saw the way Carmy locked in on Pete, taking a half-step back but not letting go of his hand. "It's seven fishes, Pete," Carmy snapped. It started a new wave of slander. By the end, his hand was clamped around yours in a vice, leading you through the room and telling Pete, "Just don't let her see. Don't let her see!"

"Dinner," you reminded the room, following Carmy as Sugar passed to approach her husband.

"Wanna help me dress the desserts table?"

You nodded in agreement, and together, you and Carmy brought out all kinds of dishes to leave on the table. You were bringing out the peach cobbler you brought when you caught the tail-end of whatever Michelle was telling Carmy. "That's so nice," you interrupted, moving between the two to set down the cobbler, "offering up your place like that, but we have one."

Her head cocked, asking in interest, "You do?"

"My family does," you nodded.

"Well, think about what I said," Michelle told Carmy. "Would love to see you guys in the city," she smirked at you.

"Yeah, all right, sure," he agreed. When she left, you turned on your boyfriend with confusion, but he only sighed, "She was recommending I get away from this family-drama bullshit."

You shrugged, "Not a half-bad idea."

"We'll see..."

"Carmy," you frowned, "we'll do whatever is best and right for us. Okay? Nothing more or less."

"I hear you," he muttered.

"And I just got confirmation that we can use the apartment in Manhattan," you told him. "So, whenever we're ready to go, we can go, okay? We don't have to shack up in a hotel room for much longer."

"I don't mind it," he eased. "I'll make a decision... I'll make a decision by this weekend about New York, okay?" You agreed, him looking over your shoulder before taking your hand. "Dinner's on," he reminded, feeling your hand snake around his waist to rest; letting his arm raise to accommodate you, latch around your shoulders, continuing forward to the dining room.

However, before entering, you pulled Carmy to a halt. "Hey, hey," you smiled, turning him to face you, "I'm really proud of you for coming home. I know it's not easy, but you're so brave for going through this."

"'Brave'?" He scoffed.

"Brave," you agreed, nodding. "People associate it with knights slaying dragons, but in my opinion, it takes far more bravery to stand up to family than it is a stranger. Takes more bravery to confront those that haunt your home than it does to confront a literal dragon. Hmm?"

Carmy reached a hand out to curl a strand of hair behind your ear. "How'd you get so insightful?"

"That bullshit college you, Mikey, and Richie all roasted me about going to them years ago? Yeah, uh-huh, that education paid off."

"Didn't do shit for your grammar, though, did it?"

"Hush," you laughed, pinching his sides to make his squirm.

You and Carmen entered the dining room to see mostly everyone in their seats; slowly making it to your own on the other side of the table. "Here, Peach," Natalie smiled when you sat between her and Carmy; her at the head of the table. "Got you a refill," she set your wine glass in front of you.

"You're a literal angel."

"I have a question," Cicero addressed your half of the table as Carmy got up to check on his mother. "I heard why we call Sugar, Sugar, but where did the nickname 'Peach' come from?"

"Oh," you smiled at him, "Miss Mama Dee taught me to bake and helped me perfect this peach cobbler recipe. I brought it to all my family events, work events, and when I attended, all my school events. Since then, it just stuck as a name."

He hummed and nodded, offer a silent toast with his glass as Carmy returned - looking mildly startled.

You heard Michelle asking if she could start the process to dish up what she wanted to her plate, Carmy assuring her to wait until Donna; she was coming out at any minute. You leaned back in your chair, nuzzling your boyfriend's side; his hand latching around your upper knee to keep you close with you hugging his arm. "All right?" He mumbled, glancing down at you.

"Are you?"

"Mhm."

"What'd your mom say?" You whispered, feeling him stiffen. "Carmen, please..."

"She's upset, stressed; says nobody cares, nobody makes shit beautiful," he whispered frantically.

"Okay," you soothed in his ear, "just breathe, baby, I need you to breathe. Shh," his head was bowed so you pecked his cheek, "she's just stressed from the holidays. We all know how she gets."

He sighed and nodded, caressing the skin of your leg he had been gripping tightly. "Hey, Mikey?" Michelle asked sweetly.

"Yeah?"

"You wanna say grace?"

Mikey gave an awkward sort of chuckle, relenting, "I don't know, cousin. This motherfucker gonna cut me off?"

You blinked and reached for your wine, intrigue peaking. Uncle Lee, who the jab was directed at, cleared his throat and answered, "It depends. Uh, is it a grace we've heard a million times before?"

"Okay, okay," Cicero stepped in.

You offered, "Well, good Christians know the prayers 'cause they're said a million times, right? Huh?"

"Yeah!" There was another round of agreement, desperate to direct the attention away from the two men.

"Does that mean you wanna lead grace, Peach?" Jimmy asked.

"Oh, no, no, I think the honor should go to Stevie."

"Can I please not?" Steve blanched at the thought of public speaking.

His wife, Cousin Michelle, changed the subject by asking about the Feast of Seven Fish. Before you or anyone else could truly answer, Uncle Lee was overpowering everyone to give his explanation; trying to make a joke at the end about a Dutch oven by Baby Jesus' manger that burned him or something. You gasped when Mikey lobbed a fork at him, making a buzzer noise while he did.

"Oh," Carmy realized when you did, stretching his arm out to extend over you like a seatbelt; fork clattering to the floor.

"Did you just throw a fork at me!?"

"I did!" Mikey sang, chuckling to himself. "See, that's the thing, Lee, see, 'cause... Y-You see what you did, right? You remember you already bitched about the Dutch oven. See, you did that before."

"Michael," Cicero tried to diffuse, but Mike was deflecting like usual.

"And you fucking cut Peach off," Mikey snarled. "Trying to prove you're the smartest, right? Wanna answer a question that she'd answer the best? Last I checked, she studied different religions in college, so, why the fuck would you want to answer - instead of Peach - if not to just make a repeated, shitty joke?"

It made Carmy now bark, "Mike, hey, don't bring Peach in this, okay? Please, just - just chill out."

But Lee was just getting started. He was scolding Michael, and in the process, stuttered just a bit, but it was enough of a visible weakness. Mike started mocking Lee for his words and delivery, just angry at the 'uncle' without knowing directly what truly bothered himself. In fact, riding high on his angry adrenaline, Mikey looked over and asked for Fak's fork, but the tattooed family-friend wasn't too willing to hand it over; hoping this would pass and settle.

Mikey just reached for Fak's fork himself, promising he just wanted to borrow it. Yet he launched it in the air to throw at Lee again, the entire table voicing their discomfort and displeasure. Everyone tried to diffuse the tension; desperate to muddle the tension enough so it did not, at the least, escalate.

"Carmy," you worried, holding his protective arm, "we should do something. I can get Mikey out of here - "

"No," he muttered sharply, "you don't need to be so physically close to that kind of behavior."

You felt the air shift when Mikey told Lee he could throw forks if he wanted to because they were in his father's house. The tension brewed and your boyfriend looked more and more uncomfortable; leaning into his side enough to get him to do the same and lean into you while both sat rigidly.

Now Lee lit into Mikey in front of everyone about how he was living with his mother still, borrowing money from her and anyone else who listened to Mikey's "bullshit". Now Cicero was pushing back at Lee, not appreciating the turn of events after being labeled a "sucker" by Lee only moments prior.

However, Mikey stepped back in, assuring Cicero it was "fine" that he wanted to mouth off - and Lee angrily repeated it. But he was far from being over; starting a new tangent, calling Mikey a loser. Then he started to throw the man's drug use in his face, telling Mikey to look through the fog and understand that there'd be consequences if he threw another fork.

It was quiet.

Nobody said a word as they all waited for Mikey's reaction. Carmen appeared on high alert, waiting for someone to make a move in case he had to jump in. Mikey asked Pete for his fork, picking it up, and creating a new tidal wave of voices all begging Michael not to do shit. To put the fork down. To not do a fucking thing. Over all the voices, it was Sugar's that cut above; reminding her brother she loved him, begging him not to do this.

Stevie giggled nervously, apologizing for it - claiming he giggled when uncomfortable. But Mikey encouraged him NOT to apologize, to fucking giggle and, "enjoy this," 'cause, "this is fun!"

You were so fucking nervous for whatever was to come.

Carmy's one arm was extended over you, the other crossed over his own body to hold your hand through the arm of the chair he sat in. Cicero tried to diffuse everything, Carmy's voice snapping support; but nothing was truly registering in Mikey's brain. In fact, he stood, and Lee flinched when he moved as if to throw the fork; guffawing at and mocking the man's reflexes. This only created an opening for Lee to, again, take shots at Mike's drug use; claiming his flinch was a reflex, something someone had when their nerve endings weren't fried - like a junkie's. Naturally, it caused an entirely new fight.

One where, during which, Mike brayed and screeched like an animal; and by the end, it was Lee telling Michael to throw the fucking fork so he had an excuse to rock his shit. At this point, you were ready to scream and support the violent display if just to get this over with. Lee snarled and repeated that Mikey was "nothing", and for a moment, you thought all hell was about to break loose.

Yet you wouldn't ever know. "There she is," Cicero clapped, directing the attention towards Donna as she entered at long last. You looked at Carmy and squeezed his hand, leaning in to quickly peck his lips in reassurance. The table clapped for their drunk host, watching her dance to her seat with a full glass of wine and burning cigarette; asking them all what she missed.

"I missed something," she grinned. "Peaches? What'd I miss?"

"Hmm? Oh, uh," you cleared your throat, "we were just discussing the tradition of the Feast of Seven Fishes."

"Boo," she pouted.

"Actually, Ma, Stevie, uh, Stevie was about to say grace," Mikey deflected.

"Not Peach, who studied religion?" Lee mocked.

"Oh, honey, that would be so cool," Donna nodded at you.

"I think I'd like to hear Stevie's prayer," you smiled, "but if he fucks it up, I'll take over."

Donna giggled before sniffling and composing herself while Michelle reassured her husband enough to encourage him to lead the family prayer. You half-listened, distracted by your boyfriend's body language. His hand still held yours, but now, he was sitting up with the other hand covering his mouth. The table was shockingly quiet as Stevie spoke, everyone listening; liking his impromptu speech about love, family, holidays, and bears.

By the end, everyone was softly complimenting the man; his wife hugging him; Mikey even voicing a compliment. However, you were distracted by Donna's reaction as she sniffled her tears, wiped her face, and took deep, dramatic sighs. Cicero laid his hand on her shoulder in comfort, but Donna picked up her cig and muttered, "It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter."

"Oh, Donna," Michelle cooed.

"It doesn't," she whispered.

As the table took turns trying to assure Donna that everything was gorgeous, you noticed the rigid way Carmy sat. "Baby," you whispered, watching him glance at you before leaning back a bit and wrapping his arm around you in an effort to remain close. However, before anyone could do anything, Sugar was asking those two words that triggered her mother:

"You okay?"

"Oh, my God," a few people muttered softly, Carmy and Mikey looking the most distraught by her words. Your lips pursed in nerves, watching Donna like a ticking time bomb; Carmy's hand sweating, leaving you anxious.

"Oh, Natalie," Donna sneered, "Rose Berzatto, do you know how much I fucking hate when you ask me that?"

"Okay," Sugar whispered, bowing her head, averting her eyes.

"Do you know," Donna enunciated, "how much I fucking hate - "

"Let's go upstairs."

" - that you have to do that!"

"Okay," Sug whispered again.

"D-Do you ask the rest of these people if they're okay?"

"No."

"N - " Donna stuttered, revving up. "Do I not look okay, Natalie?"

"Not really," Michelle answered as if without thought she had verbalized it, shaking her head.

You wanted to step in, you did; you own mother was an unmedicated, raging narcissistic, bipolar maniac with a drinking problem. You knew how to handle people like this... But this wasn't your fight, this wasn't your family; you were a mere guest, there to support your boyfriend in any way you could.

Donna glared at Michelle as Sugar offered to go upstairs again. However, the matriarch snapped, "Oh, fuck you, Michelle."

"Hey, hey, hey, hey," Carmy tried to rein his mother in.

"I didn't mean it like - "

"Do I not look okay? Did I not just bust my ass all day for you motherfuckers!?"

"I didn't mean it like that," Michelle rushed, looking down - like the others.

"This!" Donna stood, both hands gesturing to the table, "Is beautiful! Am I okay!?" She whipped around to glare at her daughter. "Am I okay!?" And then... She glared at you, "Well, let's ask, are you okay, Peach? Huh? Are you okay not having family invite you around for the holidays so you come here to fill a void and overcompensate by inserting yourself where you're not even wanted?"

You froze, brows furrowing. What had you done to deserve this unprovoked attack? You were used to it from your own mother, but that was because you were her child and it was an easy attack. This, however, was someone without blood relation laying into you about some deeper-seeded insecurities. Sure, you missed your family, but they were wildly unpredictable, unsupportive, unwelcoming, judgmental, harsh, and constantly at your throat about things that they had no business having an opinion on in the first place. It was better you stayed away - something Carmy still had to reassure you about, so to hear his mother use it against you stung beyond words.

"Hey, hey, woah," Cicero tried, Mikey voicing his own displeasure, but Carmy's was the most prominent.

"Don't bring Peach into this, Ma, please - "

"Are you motherfuckers okay!?" Donna screeched, silencing them all. "Are you okay, Lee?" She mocked. "You didn't do shit! This is fucking gorgeous!" She glared around the table she had gestured at, then, picked up a plate as she roared, "FUCK!" Then she smashed the plate to the floor, "YOU!"

You didn't flinch when you heard the shatter, instead, reaching a hand up to hold Carmy's cheek and keep him turned from the sight. One of his hands held your elbow, a way he communicated to assure you that he liked your touch.

"Fuck you!" Donna directed at the table again. Then, she muttered and pointed at Sugar, "Fuck you." Donna made her exit, sobbing, "Fuck you, Natalie."

The door slammed and you were left in a tense, ear-ringing silence. Slowly, your hand drifted off Carmy's cheek to just sit in silence, both your hands holding his. Nobody was sure what to say, and frankly, nobody wanted to be the first who broke the silence...

Until Lee exhaled deeply and opened his mouth - like he was some prominent member of the family, "Well, I guess we all knew that was gonna happen. So it's out, and, uh, maybe everybody - everybody can relax, huh?"

Your head shook.

"Yeah, that's, uh... That's the worst I've ever seen her," Michelle noted.

You wanted to snap that the mentally ill deserved kindness and respect like every other person. Perhaps they require a different sort of understanding, but you know what? Humans are humans for many reasons, one being the ability to empathize, and it wouldn't kill them all to try and offer Donna more understanding.

Especially in times of high stress!

However, nobody got to comment because Mikey let his temper flare from Lee's words. He picked up Pete's fork and lobbed it at an unsuspecting Uncle Lee; the metal utensil clattering to the floor, making Lee immediately snap, "You fuckin' piece of shit!"

Mikey rose to meet the challenge, purposefully overturning the poker table used as an extension off the "main" table; sending everything shattering to the floor as the Fak Brothers had to hold either enraged man back. It was a frenzy: Mikey and Lee yelling, Brothers holding them back, Cicero, Michelle, and Steve standing to get away from the fight as Cousin Richie directed pregnant Tiff to go with Uncle Jimmy.

Carmy rose, too, but you shot out of your chair, pleading over the noise, "Don't, please, not you."

He sighed at you, remaining put as you watched the escalated fight wage in the dining room. Richie was caught in the middle, trying to retain space between the feuding men; but it was all so very surreal due to Mikey just literally screaming to make himself feel big, bad, and heard. All of a sudden, in the very next room, there came a distant scream before a fucking car came barreling through the living room wall.

You had flinched into Carmy out of shock, and for a moment, nobody even so much as fucking breathed. Mikey was the first, approaching the car and begging for his mother to open the door; asking her what she had done; to please open the fucking door. Sugar remained seated, rooted in her spor; Carmy only moving like a zombie to get a better look - not believing his eyes. Everyone else was in shock and you just felt something click into place in your heart, mind, and gut.

No, you mother had never driven a car through the house, but you weren't a stranger to dramatic displays.

"Okay, okay," you cleared your throat, slipping past Carmy to moved for Mikey. "Hey, hey, hey, hey," you caught hold of him, pulling him off the vehicle, "you need to step back, okay? I'm gonna get it open, I'll get her to a hospital."

"No cops," Richie snapped.

"No cops," you agreed, "hence why I'll take her."

Mikey only shuffled when you stepped up, picked up a brick from the rubble, and with pristine accuracy and strength, shattered the back, drivers side window. Moving swiftly, you reached around to unlock the driver's door - yelping when Donna literally bit you.

"Fuck's sake, stop biting!" You snapped, unlocking the door and wrenching your arm free as you opened the door at the same time. "Donna, hey, hey, hey," you knelt, "you hurt? Hey, Donna, it's Peach, c'mon, I need you to tell me if you're hurt!"

She only cackled manically as she tried to stave you off.

You steeled yourself and lifted up only to keep at a bend so you could scoop Donna out. She started thrashing and you had to set her down, groaning, letting Mikey step in.

"She needs to get checked out right now," you told him.

"C'mon," Jimmy agreed as he stepped up, "I'll drive."

Mikey nodded in agreement and carried his mother out of the house, allowing you to sit in the car and shut it off. When you stood and looked around, there was still a heavy air of shock. Glancing at the damage behind you, you figured maybe you could back the car out so you could start cleaning.

"Richie, why don't you take Tiff home, I'm sure she's exhausted," you recommended softly.

"Nah, I'll help clean," he told you.

"Sure?"

"Yeah," he sniffled.

"Mind helping me get the car, you know, out of the living room?"

"Tell me what to do, baby girl."

Richie drove as you sat passenger, directing him; the two of you working to get the car in reverse and out of the wall. You got out to direct him the rest of the way, and left the car in the garage. When you got back in, you noticed that Sugar and Carmy were both gone, and you went into what your boyfriend called "Mama Bear Mode."

Tiff was allowed to rest upstairs, Michelle and Stevie left, and the Fak's left to go get you tarps and other equipment from their house since all stores were closed. You went outside and fought the cold to grab a wheelbarrow from the community garden shed about half a block away, and bringing it to the hole. Richie grabbed some snow shovels and dust pans and brooms, and together, you got to work on cleaning. It took the better part of a 3ish hours, things going a little faster when the Faks returned; helping pick up, sweep, and dump the material out of the house. They brought ladders and huge tarps, getting up to the wall to start installing the material to prevent the horrendous draft sure to come in.

Several times, the boys told you to sit - but you couldn't. So, you worked. And when it was done, you let the men to sweep the remains as you noticed the dining room still in disarray. Any layers of clothing you wore were shed, hair pulled off your neck and away from your face; preparing for the longest clean-up job you'd know.

You stored all food, organized the dirty dishes with the ones in the kitchen still, then worked on clearing space. The table was freed and you took advantage to lay out some bath towels, then getting to work. The reason you had organized the dishes was because you could wash all plates and set them in the drying rack; when done, you'd use a separate towel to dry the dishes and stack them on the dining room table.

Same for all saucers, utensils, glasses - water cups, wine glasses, and anything someone used for a stronger liquor.

Your feet ached, back protested, ears rang with the aftermath of the night. Richie took Tiff home, the Faks heading out as well; leaving you alone in the Berzatto house with only Carmy and Sugar.

You still worked so they wouldn't have to later.

Dishes stacked on the table, your fingertips pruned from the water, the sink decently filthy from food-waste. You didn't notice the time had passed until a pair of arms came wrapping around your waist - making you jump from being startled. But the tattoos on the hand was enough to assure you the man's identity; lips finding purchase on the slope of your neck and shoulder.

"You don't have to do this," Carmy whispered.

"I'm almost done," you promised, setting another bowl to the rack. "Where you been?"

"With Sugar. She was pretty upset, so, Pete and I were with her."

You nodded, "Good. She okay now?"

"She's asleep."

"You should be, too."

"You know I don't like sleeping without you," he sighed, and you felt his frown. "I'm... I'm really sorry."

"For what?"

"For us coming this year."

"I'm not," you promised. "It's okay, we'll take it in stride."

"It shouldn't be like this."

"No, it shouldn't. You deserve better, Carmy," you whispered, leaning back into his embrace - his arms tightening. "Heard from Mikey?"

"Yeah, he said the ER was still running a few tests," he sighed. "Might be another hour or more."

You nodded, "Gimme another few minutes and I'll be done."

"No, you won't," he chuckled. "Lemme help."

"Wanna dry?"

"Got me doin' dishes again, huh?" He smirked.

You matched it, "Take you back to the good ol' days?"

Carmy nodded, and for a few minutes, you worked in silence. It went smoother with help: you washing, him drying. When all was washed, you drained the sink with the garbage disposal, washed the basin out, and then started cleaning off the counters, stove, microwave, and any other appliance or surface Donna might've splattered on. Carmy noticed your system of dishes and did his best to match it, then mopping up the floor.

When you were both done, it was well past midnight and your adrenaline was waning. You eyed your boyfriend for a long moment, slowly approaching him after drying your hands; mimicking him from earlier and wrapping your arms around his middle. You felt Carmy give a long sigh, dropping one of his hands to hold yours on his stomach. "I love you," you reminded softly.

Carmy turned slowly, facing you with a soft, ginger expression. Both his hands rose to ghost over your cheeks, whispering, "I'm so fucking in-love with you."

Your smile was easy, "Yeah?"

"Mhm."

"Good."

He smirked, placing his forehead to yours. "Things got a little crazy," he whispered, "but I'm really glad you were here with me."

"I promise you, Carmy, I don't want to be anywhere else."

He sighed, pulling away to admire you for a long moment. "Even when Ma attacks you outta nowhere?"

"Even then," you promised softly. "Carmy, you forget, I had a mother very similar. Our relationship won't ever be the same, but the times I was around her, it taught me to walk on eggshells around someone. You're not alone in this and I promise, it doesn't scare me."

"Scares me..."

You nodded, stepping into his embrace, "I know, baby, I know. I'm so sorry. It'll get better, y-you'll find ways to deal with it all. Okay? I'm here with you."

His arms tightened, muttering, "Don't leave me, too."

"Not even if you beat me off with a stick," you teased. "Do you wanna go to bed, Cream?"

"Please," he groaned.

"You go up, I'll be there soon."

"You're not comin' up with me?"

"I think someone should be up when they get home."

Carmy sighed, "Probably..."

"Go to sleep," you encouraged, "I'll be up when they get in. I'll make sure Donna gets to bed, all right?"

"Nah, nah, I'll wait with you. Lemme grab some pillows and shit for us."

You didn't stop him, knowing you couldn't even if you tried. So after doing one last loop around the house, cleaning whatever needed it, you met Carmy in the second sitting room (the one Donna didn't drive into). He had a couple of pillows down and a comforter, changed into a pair of sweatpants and a muscle tank top. "Give me a minute to get changed," you whispered against his lips, hearing him hum in agreement.

You brought an overnight bag in case you were too tired to drive, now grateful for being "over prepared".

When you were matching in loungewear, you crashed on the couch with Carmy under a cushioned blanket. He was laid down the expense of the couch, you nestled between him and the back cushions. "How'd you do it?" He mumbled.

"Hmm?"

"Deal with your ma?"

"Put a lot of distance between us, enforced boundaries even if it made me the bad guy. Started therapy, read a lor of self-help books. All in all, I learned she was abusive in a different way and it affects me and all my relationships."

He sighed, "Think i gotta do the same."

"What's that?"

"Create distance... Think New York's far enough?"

"It'll have to be," you mused, snuggling close as Carmy picked up with phone. He mindlessly scrolled through his social media, you watching; the exhaustion catching up to you both, making you start to doze, but abruptly woke up when the front door burst open.

"I got her," Mikey waved you both off as you tried to yank off the tangle of blanket, assisting his drugged-up mother to her room after kicking the door shut.

When he returned, you and Carmy were sat up in interest. He sighed and tapped a cigarette from the carton, telling you both, "She's okay, minor concussion and shit... Nothing we can't handle, right? I'll be back." He excused himself out the front door.

You spared Carmy a look, frowning when those wide, baby blues locked with yours. "She's okay," you reminded softly, "and I'm here with you." You saw the fear flash in his eyes. "Carmy, you're not like anyone in your family - you're not like anyone I've ever known. You won't end up like them, you're not gonna slip off the deep end 'cause of their curse. It's sink or swim, and fuck's sake, I've got an extra life preserver, okay?"

He smirked, "What would I do without you or your analogies?"

"Get really boring advice," you teased, letting him kiss you. When you pulled back, you whispered, "She won't ruin you. I won't let anything tear you down."

He paused for a long while, nodding, "Think we should go to New York, then."

"I think so, too. You can't linger here, Carmy, or else you're going down with them all and I can't do anything to help. If we stay here, Cream, I'm afraid for what it'll do to us, and if you stay with your family, there's no telling what they'll do or make you feel." You told him softly, "Don't let them step in the way of what you want, Carmy. Don't let them dictate your life anymore than they do. You deserve a life, you deserve to live away from this toxic bullshit - to truly find and establish yourself without their extra dead weight."

He nodded sadly, wiping a hand down his face.

His eyes bulged naturally, and now, you could see clearly the red tinge from repressed tears and the swollen, blotchy skin from him rubbing so frequently.

"Carmy?" You waited until his eyes met yours. "Just because they're your family doesn't mean you're gonna end up like them. You're aware of the stress, turmoil, and abuse that's generated, and with this knowledge comes the ability to break cycles. Baby," you whispered, resting your foreheads together, "you are not the same, you can always choose to do better... To be better... To recognize slippery slopes and pull yourself back. They're your blood, yes, but that doesn't automatically mean you guys are the same now - or that you'll become like them in the future. You're different, Carmy... You're so different, you're going to do amazing things - they'll all see. And one day, I'll tell you, 'Told you so,' but it can all start today, if you want."

"You're right," he agreed, sighing deeply as he pulled away from you. "I do want that - I want us to get away and go live. We'll go..." He nodded in assurance, sniffling before pecking your forehead, "We'll go to New York and get the fuck away from this bullshit. It's not healthy, can't sustain ourselves here."

"For the time being," you corrected, "because never say never when thinking of returning home. But we've still got a lot of life to live before we settle down, right?"

"Right," he whispered, staring at you like you hung the moon and stars. "What would I do without you, Peach?"

"I imagine you'd be bored as hell," you teased, pecking his lips.

When Mikey returned, he found Carmy sprawled out on the couch with his arms tightly caging you to his chest; both looking utterly exhausted from the hectic holiday. He almost felt guilt for the rush to his blood from the drugs he used outside, knowing neither of you would be proud of him, and seeing you both look so at-peace solidified in his mind that he wouldn't burden either of you with his woes. So he vacated the front lobby just as your head lifted in confusion - feeling as if you had been watched and waking up.

However, when your burning-for-sleep eyes didn't see anyone, you settled back against Carmy.

rules and requesting masterlist

The Bear masterlist

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hanasnx · 2 months

Text

life in technicolor.

ABED NADIR had rented out that clunky camera from the film department ages ago. It sits in his living room precariously balanced on a stack of books on a shelf, and you cannot stop staring at it. It draws you in like a moth to flame, constantly staring into its lens. One part of you is paranoid it’s recording because it’s like Abed to leave it on to capture life as it exists, and the other part secretly daydreams he left it on to capture something else. Regardless of any fantasies, you know he wouldn’t just leave it on on purpose, right?

You chew your lower lip as you watch it and wonder what it would be like if he’d planned to make a movie with you. One without inhibitions or clothes. That kind of spontaneity isn’t within his peripheral, but you still hold out hope.

“What are you looking at?” his question snaps you out of your stupor, jumping in place before meeting his expectant gaze. The noises of the movie playing come into focus as your mouth parts only to expel silence. “You were looking over there so I just thought there was something to look at.” Abed answers your hesitance as if he anticipated your confusion, gesturing with a finger in the direction of the camera while his hand is still wrapped around the spoon in his cereal bowl.

“Oh!” you exclaim, glancing between him and the lens, shaking your head. “It’s nothing.” Uncomfortably, you shift in your seat, stuffing your clasped hands between your thighs. He notes that with a twitch to his brow. “I was just staring off into space.”

He continues to test the waters, adjusting the point of his finger towards the TV, “Is the movie boring?”

“Mm-mm.” You press your lips together and shake your head again. When you sigh, you visibly relax, sinking into his couch.

“You’re doing that thing you do.”

You hum in inquiry, frowning at him.

“The deflection.” He’s not a stranger to getting lost in thought, but you sure do get lost the most when you’re watching that camera. Regardless of his inexperience in the physical intimacy facet of a relationship, he knows how to read people, and he certainly knows what cameras are used for. He recognizes that flush in your cheeks. “You wanna try it out?”

At first he kept experimenting, showing you the buttons to press, demonstrating how to hold it, observing your reactions. You aren’t interested in being a film major, he knows that, but now that you’ve learned how to use it, who’s to decide what you’ll use it on? It’s easy to deduce where it’s headed, and it gets real dirty real fast.

“Point it down- between us.” Those breathless words send shivers down your spine, especially because he’s usually so silent when he’s inside you. You do as he says, recording where your bodies conjoin: his ruts up into you, your hole swallowing him up, the ring of cream forming at his base. It’s not often he gets to indulge you in the physical side of sensuality, this is his way of appeasing you. He’ll trim it up, edit it, make it pretty, and let you have a copy of the sex tape he has a hand in making right now. He doesn’t mind, his face isn’t in it anyway. Nobody’ll know it’s his tan dick fucking your insides. “I like you… like this.” he confesses, and a grin stretches onto your lips when you feel his hands squeeze your hips.

“You mean when I’m on top?”

“Yes,” he grunts, and a sting shoots through your abdomen. “I like what you look like. You look really pretty. Up there.” Broken phrases are interrupted by his sounds of effort, lithe body bucking into you as you struggle to keep the camera steady.

“Do I feel good?” you whisper, and Abed’s head tilts back. It defines his adam’s apple, and if this camera wasn’t in your way you’d lean down to lick it.

Your question does not go unheeded for he knows intimately how important verbal praise is to you, so he tries to be vocal. This is for you. He sucks in a breath, “Yes. Yes, very.”

#indy: drabbles #ch: abed #abed nadir drabble #abed nadir smut #abed nadir x reader #abed nadir x fem reader #abed nadir x you #abed nadir x y/n #abed nadir imagine #abed nadir fic #abed nadir fanfic #abed nadir fanfiction #community smut #community x reader #community imagine #community fic #community fanfiction

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softpascalito · 5 months

Text

Snowy Surprise - Joel Miller x Reader

Summary: Joel takes advantage of your lunch break on patrol for ... other activities. Afterwards, a promise he made about christmas decorations comes back to haunt him.

Relationships: Joel Miller x F!Reader WC: 2200 Tags/Warnings: Smut, Explicit Sexual Content, Smut, Fluff, Domestic Fluff, Jackson!Era, Soft Joel (The Last of Us), Established Relationship, Vaginal Fingering, Female Reader, Neck Kissing, Dirty Talk, Semi-Public Sex, Christmas Tree, Snow Read on AO3 full advent calendar (updated daily)

notes: hello loves! i really wanted to do something special for christmas time this year and i had so much fun with kinktober that i decided to make a little pedro pascal advent calender! this also doubles as a piece for stephs (@toomanystoriessolittletime) winter writing challenge for this week! check it out here ♥

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

“God, I hope they're serving some warm food tonight,” you mutter, your body slowly moving up and down as you steer your horse up the hill and through a small trickle, the water glistening with the thin sheet of ice that is decorating its top. It crunches under the hooves of the animal as you make your way past the abandoned houses, the caved in roofs and trees heavy with fresh snow.

The ice crunches again, this time behind you, and it's the only indication that you're not alone. He stays quiet.

“The soup we had last week- what was it? Pumpkin?” You ask absent-mindedly. “That was delicious. And hot. Burned my tongue. But it was worth it.”

He still doesn't say anything. Not that it's unusual. It's why you're such a good fit. You’re complementary in that way. You talk, he listens. He pretends to be annoyed, you know he secretly likes the way your thoughts fly out of your mouth, practically unfiltered in his presence.

You let your horse fall back slightly until he catches up with you, the two of you riding side by side. “Joel?”

He turns his head at that, soft brown eyes landing on yours as he seems to be snapped out of thought, “Hm?”

“Were you listening to what I said?”

A small grumble escapes his throat, a dark eyebrow moving up ever so slightly. You roll your eyes at him, deciding to just drop it, “Forget it, it doesn't matter anyway.”

He lets a few moments of silence pass until you reach the small lookout and demount your horses, tying them to a small fence post in front of the building. When he passes you on his way inside, there's a small smirk on his face.

“It wasn't pumpkin. It was carrot.”

He does listen.

Joel signs the patrol book while you busy yourself with the binoculars. The snow is almost blinding, the past week having brought more of it than you're used to, even in Jackson.

It's the favorite topic at night in the tipsy bison, with people complaining about the cold, about pipes bursting and about paths needing to be cleared every few hours. But above all the complaints is the knowledge that the vast amount of snow also has its upsides, keeping infected unable to move as fast and raiders from entering the valley at all.

That, and the children have taken to sledding down the small slopes in the town center, filling the air of the community with genuine laughter and happiness that more than makes up for the hardships the winter brings.

“Coast looks clear,” you mumble into his direction and Joel gives a small nod of approval as he finishes scribbling what is no doubt another joke at Tommys expense into the large book.

As you place the lens caps back onto the worn-out binoculars, two strong hands are placed on each side of your hips, Joel's body gently pressing into yours as he hums into your ear.

“Are we on time?”

You sigh dramatically but do check the small watch you carry in your backpack, finding that you've made good time on your way to the outlook, “We've got time for a small lunch break.”

But Joel doesn't let go, his arms only tightening their grip as he brings his lips to your cheek and you feel his teeth graze over your skin.

“Lunch break. For lunch,” you try weakly but he's having none of it. Joel's gloves come off with a swift motion and he drops them to the ground, his arms sneaking around you and pressing you into him with a little more force. His fingers don't quite extend to your most intimate areas yet, instead just teasing around them, his touch a little more forceful than usual to make sure you can feel it through your thick winter jacket.

“I think I have a better idea,” he mutters into your ear and you nod, pressing your body back against his as you give in.

It's not fair. The way that your brain practically goes silent the moment you're in his arms. It's like a storm raging outside and falling quiet the moment you shut the door. You wonder if he knows a secret pressure point on your body that noone else has ever found, one that eases your worries, that slows down the thoughts in your head that usually rush past at what feels like lightspeed. There's always something to worry about, something to consider, something to feel.

When you're with Joel, you only feel him.

He knows this. And he recognizes every time, without failure, the moment when your brain falls quiet, just by the way you push back into him, a soft gasp on your lips.

“Joel- it's too cold- '' you mumble. There's no heating around you, making the logistics of what he undoubtedly has in mind more than difficult.

“It's okay. I got you,” Joel whispers back. His hand is still warm from the thick gloves he always wears on patrol and he doesnt open a single button of your clothing, instead opting to flatten his hand and slide it into your pants.

His fingers barely fit into the front of your jeans and it causes them to press down on your skin immediately, drawing a whimper from your lips. He shushes you gently, curling his hand to reach further and a moment later, his index finger is inside of you, the calloused skin brushing against your inner walls.

“Fuck, Joel, please-” You practically beg, a familiar heat already burning in your core as you push yourself into the palm of his hand, squirming with the way his hand aligns so perfectly with your front.

Maybe it's because of the cold or because he knows that you're still on a schedule but he doesn't make you wait as long as he usually does, slowly beginning to move his finger in and out of you. You can feel your own wetness staining the inside of your panties as it runs down his fingers and your own hands begin to wander, one clutching onto his arm while you sneak the other around yourself, brushing over the outline of Joel's hard cock behind you.

He hisses under his breath, feeling the touch even through the thick fabric of his jeans and a second finger enters you almost automatically.

“This is about you, darlin’,” he mutters, pressing himself against you a little harder and using his unoccupied hand to grab your wrist, “You just be good for me and stay still.”

So he doesn't want to go all the way, probably a smart choice in the current weather. Any disappointment you feel is quickly washed away however as you feel Joel's fingers curl inside of you, brushing over the spot that makes your knees weak.

You have no idea how he's able to finger you this well in the current position, restricted by the cold and all the layers of clothing between you. The small room is filled with the sound of your heavy breathing and you can feel the warmth of Joel's breath in your neck as he uses his nose to push aside the scarf that's wrapped around your throat and nips at your skin.

His other hand, still wrapped around your wrist, comes to your front, still restricting your arm while also holding you up.

“Come on, let me hear you, baby,” he mutters under his breath. “Noone around to tell us off. Just you and me.”

And again, your brain doesn't protest. You don't think about the dangers of being too loud, of humans or infected being attracted by the sound, of anything really. Your body and your brain seem to agree. You're safe with him.

So you let the noises flow from your lips, whimpering and moaning, mixing Joels name with a string of curse words when his thumb begins rubbing over your clit.

“Fuck, Joel, please, please, please let me come, Joel-” You break off into another fit of unintelligible words and Joel hums behind you, rubbing his nose against your ear. You can practically hear the grin on his face, “Go on, darlin’.”

It only takes a few more thrusts of his fingers inside of you until you're falling apart in his arms, your body jerking as the pleasure of your orgasm shoots through you.

Joel's arms stay tightly wrapped around you and he gives a few more gentle, shallow curls of his fingers, letting you fully ride out your orgasm, before he withdraws his hands from your jeans, leaving your underwear a mess.

“There we go. That's my girl,” he mumbles into your ear as he turns you around carefully and tugs on your jacket a bit, making sure that you're properly protected against the cold. It's endearing how much attention he pays to your shirt being tucked in correctly and your zipper being drawn. He holds you for a while longer, placing gentle kisses on the skin that he still can reach until he's sure you're good to go. You catch a glimpse of him licking the taste of you off his fingers before putting his gloves back on.

Your legs are still wobbly when you head back to your horses a few minutes later and you nod towards the woods, “I'm gonna go pee real quick.”

You're not sure why you blush now when you've literally just had Joel's hand knuckle-deep inside of you but he doesn't seem to mind. In fact, he almost enjoys it, a small smirk playing around his lips, “You do that.”

Ever the gentleman, Joel waits with Old Beardy and Japan while you stalk through the snow for a few more meters until you find a spot that looks like it'll work well-enough as a makeshift toilet. It takes a moment to undress with all the layers you're wearing and you curse as you pull your panties down to find them stained with your own juices, the sticky liquid smeared throughout the cotton fabric.

Meanwhile Joel's hand is scratching the soft neck of his horse when he hears a small yell. In an instant, he has his revolver drawn and is hurrying into the direction you disappeared into mere minutes ago.

He can feel his heart pounding in his chest as his boots sink into the snow with every step, his muscles ready to strike out at whatever danger is lurking behind the trees.

And then, suddenly, there you are. Standing in front of a pine tree that's only a little taller than him, your hand caressing the needles wet with snow.

Joel takes a breath, his gaze flying over the surroundings once more before he lets out a small sigh and lowers his gun, “What's going on?”

Your eyes, round and gentle, wander between the tree and him, lips pursed, like you know his reply to a question you haven't even asked yet.

“I know it's not the most practical option but-” You mumble and you can see the gears turning in Joel's head before he pinches his nose, closing his eyes for a moment, “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

It's been a few weeks since you sprung the idea on him while cuddling one night, mentioning that you hadn't had a Christmas tree for years and that with the woods around Jackson so full of pines, it would be a waste to not get one. Joel didn't care much for it but he was so content in that moment with you in his arms that he gave in, agreeing that a little bit of decorating wouldn't hurt. And it seems like precisely that promise is now back to haunt him.

Your hand leaves the pine and instead you reach for Joel, tugging on his jacket a little, “Come on. We have some rope, right?”

“Yeah. Yeah, we do have some rope,” he almost grunts, still keeping his eyes closed. When he opens them again, the brown in his eyes matches the trees around you and you're close enough to see the snow reflected in them.

“How bad do you want this?” He asks, honestly. He's straightforward, as always, so you decide to be as well.

“I really want it. It's perfect, it has the right size and we can keep it outside until I have finished the decorations and-”

Joel raises his hand a little, effectively cutting you off. He's heard enough.

“Okay.”

It's late when you get back to Jackson, riding through the wooden gate on your horses, the freshly cut pine tree tied to a makeshift sled behind you.

“I can't believe you talked me into this.”

Joel had offered a few more grunts and complaints about picking a tree so far away from Jackson when there were more than enough close to the perimeter. But then you had leaned over to him, just as he finished tying the tree down with a few sturdy knots.

“Maybe I can make it up to you by using this for something else, later.”

He smirked on the ride back, only stopping when you reached the small road that led down to the town and putting on his usual, gruff demeanor.

It barely lasts until you reach your doorstep.

notes: i hope you liked it! if you did, feel free to let me know if you want to be added to my twitter/tumblr tag list so you get a lil notification every time your advent calender is ready to be opened. wishing everyone a very lovely december ♥

#softpascalito #advent calendar #pedro pascal #joel miller #joel / reader #joel x reader #joel miller / reader #joel miller / you #smut #christmas tree #tlou #joel miller x reader #joel miller x you #pedropascaladventcalender #stephswinterwritingchallenge #day one

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runningfrom2am · 2 months

Text

cold nights // twenty-one

summary: you showed him colours he knows he can't see with anyone else.

pairing: coriolanus snow x fem!reader

wc: 4.2k

masterlists / nav / requests

tags/warnings: tribute!reader and mentor!coriolanus, r is very sweet (too kind for this world. literally.), sunshine x grumpy trope kinda, he falls first, violence typical for the source material, depictions of mental illness, also she's is very smart (as she should), district twelve!reader.

a/n: oh- you guys wanted them to be happy and in love in peace?? my bad. anyway, good a time as any to wish you guys a happy valentines day! lol

my asks are also open to talk about this series! (i do have emoji anons open now too!)

send me any and all of your thoughts! here!

series masterlist // playlist

"Where are ya takin' those?" Lennox asks you as you're quickly scanning through your piles of books, pulling out one or two at a time and holding onto them.

"I will bring them to Coryo and Sejanus." You smile to yourself, standing up straight as you finish picking out most of your favourites.

"Coryo." Lennox scrunches his nose up. "Why bother? They can't read that many books in a week. Especially when he'll hardly get his hands off you long enough to do literally anything else."

"Oh, Lennox hush. That is not true." You shake your head pointedly, cheeks burning red.

"It is true."

You had kind of explained to Lennox what happened, that Coryo explained, apologized, and that you were wrong about him. Your mother was right, of course, but Lennox still wasn't buying any of it. Although, he wouldn't deny that you seemed happier.

"Ma!" You call out, coming out of your bedroom with the stack of books in your arms. Trying to talk to Lennox about this would never end in him actually listening to you.

"Just out back, honey!"

You follow her voice out onto the back porch. "Ma, do you know if there's a limit of things you can take on the train?"

She looks up at the question, laughing at the stack of books you have steadied under your chin.

"It's not a passenger train, honey. I don't know." She chuckles. "You want to give him all of those? Won't you miss them?"

"Well..." You think about it, placing them down on the ground to rest your arms for a moment. "I don't know when I'll see him again, and books are expensive to post. Besides, I know they'll be in safe hands, and if I want to read them again I can take them from the library."

Your mom smiles sadly at you. "I suppose that's true."

"Yes." You grin, crouching down to pick the books up again carefully. "I shall go drop these off."

"When will you be back?" She asks, just as you're about to walk back inside.

"Uh, I'm uncertain, but I shouldn't be long! We don't have any plans."

"Maybe you should take your brother with you, he can carry those." She suggests and you sigh.

"No, Ma. He's mean." You pout.

"He only wants to keep you safe. Take him with you, please. He'll be driven mad here waiting for you to get back." She insists and you groan, dropping your head back. "I won't ask again, I promise."

"Okay, Ma." You relent, stepping back into the house and letting the door swing shut behind you. "Len! Ma says you're coming with me!"

"So... how do you know where they are staying?" Lennox asks you, half the books in his arms as you practically skip ahead of him.

"Coryo showed me the other day."

"Oh, he did. Of course he did." You can practically see him rolling his eyes behind your back. "Have you ever considered that he could just be using you? I mean-"

"Lennox, that's not a rational thought process. I have nothing that he would want, he already won his prize." You interrupt. "He just came here to spend time with me, we talked about that when I was in the Capitol."

"I can think of something he wants..."

"Lennox!" You turn on your heel, pointing a finger in his face so fast he almost stumbles as he stops. "That is enough. You have so little trust in me!"

"It's not like we haven't been down this road before!" He argues, and you quickly look around as he raises his voice. The path is deserted this time of day.

"And you don't think me capable of learning?"

"Clearly not! Him and Cole are practically the same person!"

"Don't you say that- I didn't like Cole and you know it." You narrow your eyes at him. "Coryo is different. He wouldn't hurt me."

"You do realize that those are like, the famous last words that every teenage girl ever has said and regretted it, right?"

"Do you just not want me to be happy?" You ask bitterly. That wasn't true and you knew it, but you were upset and you knew it would get your point across. He was being cruel.

"The opposite, actually! I just want you to think realistically about fallin' into the open arms of your 'knight in shining armour' who you've literally had nightmares about for weeks on end."

"I am not a child! I am an adult, and I am capable of making my own decisions." You spit. "He's not using me. He loves me, and I love him."

"Yeah, I'm sure he'll say that until-"

"Lennox you are such a.. boy!" You groan. "If you must know, if you must insist that I am so stupid, no, I have not slept with him. Is that what you needed so desperately to hear?"

"Gross." He mumbles, shaking his head with disgust. "I don't care what you do with your alone time, actually I'd really rather not know! All I'm saying is you need to be more careful."

"I'm not going to fight with you. You can trust my decisions or not." You grumble, turning back around to keep walking. He follows behind you silently, neither of you saying another word the whole walk there.

You knock on the door, taking a step back while you wait for it to open. You can hear your brother breathing behind you and it's driving you up the wall. You would drop off the books and send him home- maybe you would stay for a while, go for a walk, something.

The door creaks open and you smile when you see Sejanus. "Y/N!" He grins, opening the door wider for you to come in. "Coryo! Your girlfriend is here!" You blush at the term as you walk in past him.

You hadn't discussed any kind of title to what you had, the looming ache of him leaving again so soon holding you back from wanting to mention it. You assumed he didn't want to discuss it either, both of you silently agreeing just to enjoy the time you still had together.

"Y/N/N." Coryo grins, eyes lighting up as he enters the room.

"Hi." You smile, ignoring your brother pretending to gag behind you.

"What brings you?" Coryo asks. "I didn't expect to see you today, I was thinking of coming to see you myself."

"Yes, well, I went through my books and brought some over that I would like you to take." You look back over your shoulder as Lennox is placing the large pile of books on the dining table.

Coryo hums as he wraps his arms around you, resting his chin on your head. "That's a lot of books." He chuckles.

"You don't have to rush through them, keep them as long as you'd like." You assure him. "I just thought they were some you may enjoy."

"I'm sure I'll love them." He kisses the top of your head. "Thank you."

You turn in his arms to look up at him, ticking your head slightly when you hear Sejanus speak quietly. Clearly, not to either of you. "Hey, I just want to show you something. Come outside with me?" And then the door is shut, and you and Coryo are left alone.

"What's he showing him?" You ask, and Coryo watches through the window as his friend and your brother circle around to the side of the house.

"I am not sure." He answers. Immediately, he's thinking of the note Sejanus had scribbled out for himself. It included your brother's name alongside the dates and times, and those dates were creeping up quickly, the seventeenth being in three days- if he had today's date correct.

"Coryo?"

"Hm?" He looks down at you again. "You were thinkin' for a minute there. What's wrong?"

You were always so concerned. All he had done was take a moment to think, and you seemed genuinely worried. Maybe there was something in his face that showcased his confusion. "Nothing, love." He assures you, but you don't seem inclined to believe it. "Okay, uh, just... Come with me." He grabs your hand, watching out the window to make sure they aren't coming back yet as he leads you to his room.

You step into the small space and smile. He wasn't here for long, but the room already had little touches of him. The bed was made, and there was nothing on the walls but the bedside table had the copy of Romeo and Juliet he had got for you, a folded-up note, and a comb for his hair he had yet to put back in his bag despite him not needing it anymore.

You turn to face him after he shuts the door, smiling. He almost looked normal here, now. Like he was getting used to being here with you, living your life. It certainly wasn't like what he left behind in the Capitol, but to you it was special.

"Y/N, I have something to tell you." Coryo says, serious with a lowered voice. He didn't want anyone to hear it, even though you were still likely alone in the home.

"Okay." You reply, feeling your brow crease as you nod at him. His tone makes you nervous- your heart skips a beat in your chest. For a moment, you feel trapped. Tell him what you need. He won't mind.

"Can you... can you move away from the door, please?" You ask quietly before he has the chance to speak again.

He nods, not wasting a second before passing you and you turn with him, now with the door to your own back. "Is that better? You okay?" He asks and you nod.

"Fine just fine." You smile, trying to be reassuring. "What were you going to tell me?"

"Right, so..." You watch as he runs a hand over his head, still in the habit of pushing back his hair. "I was in Sejanus's room the other day, and I found this note. It had two dates and places on it, and then your brother's name and that was it."

"Oh." That's the only thing you can think of to say. "Well... do you remember the places? Maybe he was just trying to remember Len's name?"

"I don't know, I was hoping you'd know more." Coryo sighs, reaching for the bedside drawer. He had written down what he remembered from the dates and times, because he did want to ask you about it. "But he's been leaving and coming back at odd hours, he won't tell me what he's doing. Is he with Lucy Gray?"

"I don't think so." You frown, shaking your head. "But they have been getting close."

"But that doesn't really feel relevant to the note, or your brother."

"No... It certainly doesn't seem that way."

"Here, so... I wrote it down. Uh... The Hob, August seventeenth at ten pm, and broken fence August eighteenth at four am." He reads off what he remembered enough from the note to write down.

You tilt your head.

"Does that mean anything to you?"

"Well, on the seventeenth The Covey is performing at the Hob, so maybe he planned on going to that." You explain. "But broken fence... there's so many of those around here I couldn't tell you. Although, four am is an incredibly odd time to be meeting anyone."

"That's three hours before our train leaves."

"Oh." You shake your head slightly. "That's very weird."

"I know." Coryo sighs. "He won't tell me either, I've asked if he has any plans that night and he said no."

"Well... We should go." You offer. "Tell him that we're going to the meadow that night, and we'll just go after him. See who he's with."

Coryo raises his eyebrows at you. "I didn't take you for the nosy type."

"Well, I'm a big sister at heart and if it possibly involves Lennox I have to know." You argue. "It could be dangerous. He's always had a few friends I didn't love."

"Are you okay to go back there? I can go without you." He offers.

"I'll be fine." You insist. It's more so out of necessity, you have no choice but to be fine. You have to know- you have to make sure your brother and friend are safe.

"Are you sure about this?" Coryo asks, stopping you outside the entrance to the Hob. "If you want to go home I can take you, I just want you to feel safe."

"I know." You give him a small, reassuring smile as you squeeze his hand. "If I need to leave I'll tell you. I promise."

He nods, taking one last look at you to make sure you still seem okay before he pushes the door open and you both head in.

The building is buzzing- as it usually is when The Covey performs. You smile at the music, letting Coryo pull you close to the side wall as he scans the crowded room for his friend.

"Do you see him?" You ask, and he somehow hears you over the music and shakes his head.

You frown, looking around as well. No sign of Sejanus, no sign of Lennox. Lennox isn't even old enough to be here, but he wasn't at home when you left- and it's not exactly hard to sneak in.

"There," Coryo says, nodding in the direction of the opposite side of the room. You follow his eyes, and spot Sejanus talking to someone you recognize. "Who's he with?"

"Spruce." You explain. "His sister is scheduled to be executed tomorrow afternoon." You add, leaning closer so no one else will hear.

You watch as they head toward the back hall, the same one you ran down just a couple of weeks ago. "Should we go after them?" You ask when Coryo doesn't reply and he nods, watching them as he pulls you down the outside wall toward them.

You make it back to the hall without Lucy Gray spotting you, as far as you can tell. Standing outside the door, you hear shouting. You watch Coryo as he clenches his jaw, shaking his head.

"Wait out here." He tells you, dropping your hand.

"No- I, I should come." You shake your head and he grabs your cheeks, lifting your head to look into your eyes.

"I don't know what they're fighting about but it doesn't sound good. Wait out here." He's stern as he gently brushes his thumbs over your cheeks. "Listen to Lucy Gray, just watch the door. Okay, love?"

"Okay." You agree quietly, slightly nodding.

He kisses your forehead before letting you go, taking a deep breath before pushing the door open and disappearing behind it.

You chew your nails as you wait with your ear to the door, trying to decipher who is inside with them. It's hard to tell with all the shouting going on, but you hadn't heard Lennox.

"Y/N." You hear your name, quickly jumping back from the door and turning to face the voice. "What are you doin' here?"

You chew your cheek, trying to avoid Cole's gaze. "Just waitin' for Lucy Gray." You lie, looking down.

"Ah." He hums, nodding slightly as he steps closer to you. "Where's your purebred Capitol attack dog?"

"What are you doing here, Cole?" You ask, ignoring his question.

"We got leave passes for the weekend." He answers. "Hoff said something about 'boosting morale'."

"That's nice." You smile nervously. "Well, I don't want to keep you, so..."

"You aren't." He smirks, tilting his head as he looks down at you. "I'm not gonna hurt ya, you know that, right?"

"I know." You say softly.

"We're friends, aren't we?"

"Cole..." You sigh, looking down again. "We talked about this I just... We're too different. I'm sorry."

"Oh, because you have so much more in common with that prick- right?" He laughs sarcastically. "He's Capitol! He'll never know you like I do. Honestly, I'm offended that you'd choose him over me."

"I'm not choosing him over you." You frown. "I already knew we wouldn't work before I ever met him. This is very, very different. I'm sorry."

"You are? Oh, I'm glad to hear that." He nods and you eye him suspiciously. "Maybe then after he leaves, you'll give me another chance. He's taking the next train, tomorrow morning, right?"

"I can't do that, Cole." You shake your head.

"That's an awful shame." The evil smile on his face doesn't fade. "I'll have no choice but to report your father."

Your heart drops. "My Pa hasn't done anything."

He sucks in through his teeth. "Well, suspicion is enough to charge, and I don't know... I get a bit of an off feeling from him. It's actually my duty to report any suspicions we have, so honestly I've been protecting you, and I'd like to keep doing that, you know?"

You finally picked up on what he was saying, and immediately could taste the bitterness of fear on your tongue, a metallic tang that seemed to linger in the air.

"So? Do we have a date?"

"Sure." You mutter through gritted teeth.

"Sweet, thanks for finally coming to your senses, bug." Cole smiles, patting your shoulder. "I'll see you tomorrow afternoon!" He calls back as he walks away.

You don't even care what's going on inside, you can't be alone in this dark hallway anymore.

You pull the door open and rush in, but you're quickly stopped by Coryo's arm as he takes a few steps back, pushing you behind him. "What- what's-"

"She can't be in here!" Spruce spits at Coryo as you look past him, gasping at the sight of several guns on the table and the one in his arms.

"Listen, she's not involved." Sejanus promises.

"Her brother is gonna help us, it's cool. She won't tell." You look at Billy Taupe when he speaks, eyes wide.

"No- this is crazy." Mayfair shakes her head. "She's not coming with us. We're not bringing her or Lucy Gray. I'm leaving."

"No, they aren't coming. I just said I'd ask. Now she knows, so she probably should." Billy Taupe replies and your eyes flick between the couple. You had no idea what was going on, where he wanted you to go, and what this had to do with Sejanus or your brother.

"No! My daddy will have you all strung up for this." She throws her hands up and starts to walk toward the back door. Your heart is pounding in your chest as Coryo reaches for one of the guns.

"Don't!" You cry out, forcing yourself in front of him just as he aims the gun at her. At you.

"Y/N, you gotta move right now." He says quickly, and you hear her footsteps stop behind you.

You can only look at his eyes as they flit between anger, instinct, and fear.

"Coryo." You say, voice cracking and it's only then that you feel the tears dampening your cheeks.

The barrel of the gun is under an inch from your chest, and you can see his hands shaking as he holds the heavy weapon in his hands. He won't shoot you- he won't.

The world around you seems to blur as your focus narrows on the overwhelming sense of fear gripping you tightly. Right now, if someone asked where you were, you wouldn't know. You just as easily could have been standing in the arena.

He doesn't dare move as he stares at you, eyes wide. He doesn't want to hurt you, but that's why he has to do this. He can't let whoever that girl was have you killed. Still, you stand in front of him. Shaking, but not moving. This was the girl he knew from the games who offered a rose to Coral who in the moments before was threatening her. The girl who so thoroughly hated the idea of bringing harm to others that her own mind blocked it out completely and replaced the story with something else. This was the girl who was willing to give up her life just to be able to give the other tributes an honourable burial that she knew they wouldn't otherwise receive.

The girl who saw him kill another boy and despite all of that, still had it in her heart to forgive him.

You don't even hear Mayfair laugh and begin to walk away again, you only hear the gunshot that follows. You jump, immediately looking down to assess the damage. Coryo wasn't pointing the gun at you anymore, he had dropped his arms in defeat- and you had mistaken the loud noise for an impact you were expecting.

He didn't shoot you.

"What did you do?" You turn as Billy Taupe screams, eyes widening as you see Mayfair bleeding out on the floor.

"Oh god- oh god..." You mumble, stepping back until you bump into Coryo. He drops the gun back onto the table, pulling you into his arms.

"Don't look, don't look..." He tells you, turning you and pressing your head to his chest so you can't see anymore even if you wanted to.

You can't even make out what Spruce and Billy Taupe are yelling at each other over the sound of your blood pumping through your veins. Until the second gunshot.

You must be sobbing now, clinging onto the front of Coryo's shirt so tight your knuckles are burning. "You're okay, it's okay." He tells you. You don't know what's going on- you don't want to.

Coryo stares between Spruce and the body of Billy Taupe now slumped down next to Mayfair. He needs to get you out of here, now, but he doesn't know how. This has to be handled first.

He's letting you go only to grab your cheeks and get you to look at him. "Go back outside, you have to go back outside, I will handle this."

You can't even speak- can't even move. You try and shake your head. You couldn't leave him, not right now. You feel like you'd die the moment he ceased touching you.

The door slides open again, followed by an angry voice you know too well. "What the fuck?" Cole must have been watching you. He must have heard.

"No..." You cry, shaking your head. If Cole saw this you were absolutely all screwed.

"What the fuck did you do?" Cole shouts again. "Nobody fucking move! You're all-"

Another gunshot. Silence.

"Oh no, no, no..." You try and look behind Coryo but he doesn't let you, holding your head firmly into his chest again.

"It's okay. Don't look." He says again, staring at Sejanus who looks like he's panicking just as much as you are now.

"Why'd you tell them where we were? Now you've gone and screwed us all over! I just shot a peacekeeper!"

"He didn't tell anyone." Coryo defends him. "We followed him, Cole followed us."

"Fuck." Spruce sighs, throwing the gun onto the pile of others still laid across the table. "We gotta bump this up. We have to get Lil now, go tell Lennox to get the stuff and hide it for us like we said."

"Get rid of the guns and pretend this never happened."Coryo hisses. "And leave the kid out of this. It's too late for whatever plan you had now- we don't know where he is."

You can't even hear a single thing going on anymore. You're actually sure you might faint.

When you go from shaking to completely still in Coryo's arms, he knows you have. "Shit..." He mumbles, trying to steady you as your knees give out. He quickly readjusts so he can lift you with an arm under your knees and the other under your back.

"I gotta get her out of here and you have to move quick. Get rid of the guns. Now." He instructs, and surprisingly, Spruce listens. He throws the weapons into a bag and steps over the two bodies by the door before leaving.

"It wasn't supposed to be like this." Sejanus cries, gripping onto his hair and breathing heavily. "No one was supposed to get hurt!"

"Sejanus, for once just shut up!" He grabs his attention from where his friend is staring at the dead couple, clearly losing his mind. Coryo doesn't have time for this- an unconscious girl in his arms and his friend looking like he's about to be in the same state in a matter of moments.

"It's all my fault..."

"All of this is your fault!" Coryo agrees, looking around at the mess of the room. "It's only gonna get worse if you don't pull yourself together."

"Oh, god..."

"If you breathe a word now, all three of us are finished. Just like in the arena. We came here to see her. If we go down, she goes with us." He holds you tighter to his chest as your hair falls over the curve of his arm, your head limp against his skin. "So now we have to go back to the house, gather all our shit, and act like nothing is wrong. We have to board the train tomorrow like nothing is wrong. Do you understand?"

"I- I don't know." Sejanus sniffs.

"Hey." Coryo says, taking a few steps closer. "Look at me. You have to pull it together. I know you wanted to go with them but now they aren't going. We've got to stick together. You won't get in trouble. I won't let anything happen to you, but you have to listen to me." It was obvious that it didn't matter that none of you pulled the trigger- being in the room was enough; especially when a peacekeeper had been murdered. If you were caught, you'd all be executed. "We're brothers, yeah? Brothers. Whatever you've done, I swear I will keep you safe."

"Brothers. Yeah." Sejanus mutters, still obviously in shock.

"Those guns were the only loose ends besides the four of us, so we're gonna be okay as long as we leave tomorrow." He breathes. "Okay? Not a word."

"O-Okay." Sejanus nods slightly, trying to keep his focus on the boy in front of him rather than their unconscious friend in his arms.

Coryo tried to give him a reassuring smile, but inside he was panicking too. They could escape it all on the train tomorrow, but now came the problem of what to do with you.

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letsgetrowdy43 · 2 months

Text

My Love Mine All Mine (Rowan’s version)—

Jack Hughes x Yvette Liu

I listened to “My Love Mine All Mine” by Mistki a few times when I began writing this, so this is written through the lens of that song. It's also around 11K words so strap in cause it's a long one!!

Warnings: Pregnancy, a little fear of pregnancy, alcohol, a lot of tooth-rooting fluff, if there's anything else please lmk!!

Au Masterlist!!

"It's for your own good," Ellen scolded as she parked the car in front of the school, a frown resting on his features as he rolled his eyes at his mother, "I'm being serious Jack, school is important, there is no hockey if you aren't putting up your best efforts in class, and your coaches agree with me."

His mother had put him in tutoring after receiving an email detailing his recent grade in history; a few slip-ups in his assignments led to a failing grade. Everyone was treating it like it was the end of the world, but now that his mom was threatening hockey, he knew that he needed to do anything to get it up as soon as possible.

"Whatever," he unbuckled himself and got out of the car, a frown on his face as he looked at his mother one last time, "this is so embarrassing," he said before slamming the car door shut out of annoyance and heading into the school. He could hear her muffled voice rise through the window of the car followed by a fit of Luke's laughter as she drove off in the direction of the rink where his younger brother's practice was being held.

This was not how he wanted to spend his Saturday morning, he thought to himself as he entered the library he looked around at the tables full of students, laptops and books cluttering the desks as he searched for the girl he believed to be named "Yvette," a tutor that one of the other mom's had recommended to his during a home game a few weeks ago.

He found one girl, sitting in the back of the room, her head down in her textbooks and her curly hair in her face, he warily approached as he searched her table for any little sign that might tell him whether or not this girl was the one he was looking for. "Yvette?" he said quietly, the girl looked up from her book, a smile pulling at her lips as she nodded. "Yes, you must be Jack," she ushered for him to take a seat beside her as she organized the mess of books laid out in front of her. "Yeah I am," he grew shy as he watched her cheeks heat up at their now closer proximity.

His heart was beating in his chest, he couldn't help but feel a mix of nervousness and embarrassment. Yvette seemed friendly enough, she was also the prettiest girl he'd ever seen, but Jack couldn't shake the feeling that this whole tutoring situation was an unwanted intrusion into his life.

"Let's get started, we can go through your history assignments and figure out where you might be struggling if you're comfortable with that?" she smiled sweetly as she flipped her notes open to the pages that highlighted the chapters covered in his assignment. He nodded, words caught in his throat, his hands clammy as he rummaged through his bag for the crumpled-up piece of paper, embarrassment growing in his chest that she would be reading his poor work.

She explained everything with ease, Jack nodded and hummed in agreement every few minutes, still not confident enough not to stumble over his words. His eyes kept leaving the sheet in front of them and landing on her face, he examined the perfect roundness of the apples of her cheeks, his face grew warm as he peered down at the plumpness of her lips, she was the epitome of beautiful, even in the dark and stuffy corner of the library.

By the end of the session, Jack had not only learned and gained a bit more of an understanding, but he was pretty sure he was in love with his tutor.

"I think that's good for today," she whispered and looked at the boy who was lost in space, "how are you feeling now Jack?" she asked as she began to pack up her things. Jack, snapped back to reality, and stammered, "Oh, uh, yeah. I feel... good. I mean, better. Thanks, Yvette." His cheeks turned a shade of red as he realized he had been caught daydreaming.

"It's Eve, by the way, I assume we will be spending a lot of time together, so may as well get you on a nickname basis," she smiled sweetly once again, and Jack was a goner, nearly melting in his seat. "Okay Eve," he said with a grin tugging at his lips, trying to keep his cool. Little did he know she was internally freaking out at the way her name just casually rolled off of his tongue.

"So would next Saturday, same time work for you?" her brows furrowed before he clarified, "For our next session I mean," he laughed, cheeks a bright red as her face broke out in realization. "Oh yes! Of course, it works perfectly" She smiled and opened her planner, writing down a "Jack" in one of the Saturday time slots with a smiley face in pretty pink pen ink causing his heart to leap in his chest. "Perfect, thank you again," he said quickly, shoving everything back into his bag and heading out of the library in search of his mother who was waiting for him in the parking lot.

Ellen grinned as she held up a red Gatorade for him, a nice peace offering as he got into the car, "so how was that, wasn't as bad as you thought?" "I think I just met my future wife," he deadpanned, causing Ellen to go wide-eyed.

★★★★

Jack had been waiting for this game since the beginning of the season.

The Usntdp boys would finally play against Umich, a battle of the oldest Hughes brothers, Jack's first time going against Quinn. It was monumental, it felt like one of the biggest games of the season, it was gonna be everything.

He and Trevor did their pregame rituals, which consisted of a stupid intricate handshake followed by a very dramatic chest bump and then they were ready to take the ice.

His eyes searched the ice after doing a few laps and practicing some shots, Quinn stood next to Josh stick-handling the puck before he looked up to his younger brother and grinned. The two Hughes boys met at center ice, smiles on their faces after not seeing each other for a few months and hugged.

"Ready to get your ass kicked?" Jack teased his older brother as Quinn looked to the stands with a confused look. "Who is with mom?" he asked slyly pointing to the Hughes family, a girl in a USA sweater sat in between Luke and Ellen.

Jack's face immediately warmed as she looked at him, sending him a short wave before being pulled back into conversation with his little brother.

"Oh my god dude, you are as red as a tomato, who is that girl?" Quinn pressed again as he de-gloved in his and poked Jack in the cheek. Jack pushed his hands away, the redness on his face growing by the second, "that my friend, Eve, she tutors like half the team" Quinn's brow raised as he looked back up to the girl who had moved her conversation over to Jim and Ellen who were showing her something on Ellen's phone, "is that the one mom told me about, future Mrs Hughes?" "Shut up."

The whistle blew and alarmed both teams to skate back to their respective benches, Quinn tapped Jack with his stick once again, "Get ready to lose Rowdy," he grinned before skating back in the direction of the boys in Maize.

Jack's eyes found their way back to her in the crowd, her face breaking out into a grin as she looked back to him, her hand pointing to his number on her sleeve and then throwing him a thumbs up. "My god dude, you have heart eyes," Alex startled him as he ran into Jack pulling him back into the game and towards the bench

After the game, Jack couldn't shake the excitement coursing through his veins. The adrenaline from the game blended with the thrill of playing against Quinn and the presence of Eve in the stands had him on some sort of high. He left the locker room with a grin on his face, despite the loss on ice, the thought of spending the drive home with Eve had his heart racing.

He spotted her chatting with his family, his young cousins crowded around her legs as she examined the doll in the little girl's hands, his entire family seemed to have taken a liking to her, and Jack couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth seeing them get along.

Eve looked up and caught Jack's eye. She flashed him another mind-melting smile, and he couldn't help but walk a bit faster to get to her. "Sorry about the loss J, you played amazing though," she said as he pulled her in for a hug, his eyes connecting with Luke who was making kissy faces behind her but was stopped by a glare from Ellen. "It's no big deal, Quinn is never gonna let me live it down though," he pulled away just as Trevor and Cole found their way to the girl.

"Eve!" Trevor yelled out as he pushed Jack out of the way and smothered the girl in his chest, "I didn't know you were gonna be here!" Jack let Trevor's voice fade away as he approached his mother and father, who both congratulated him on the assists.

"You played great sweetheart," Ellen said as Jim hummed in agreeance, Jack smiled as his eyes travelled back to the girl who was now chatting with Spencer, "Eve is a sweetheart, you should ask her over for dinner sometime," she watched as he nodded still staring at the girl. "Yeah Mom maybe," he mumbled as he looked back to Jim who was staring at his son with an amused grin. "Okay go grab Eve, we are gonna say bye to Quinn and then head out, okay?" Jim laid the plan out and Jack nodded as he looked back to the girl, watching as she interacted with the people closest to him.

He was in so deep.

★★★★

A knock on the door startled Eve out of her thoughts, tonight was the night of her date with Jack, the spring formal.

Her mom stood excitedly beside her, camera in her clutches, as the door opened to reveal a smiling Jack. He wore a burgundy suit, it complimented her blush-coloured dress perfectly, his smile wide as he whispered a quiet “hi” and handed her a corsage that matched the flower pinned to the chest of his jacket.

His face was a bright red as well as hers, but the quiet moment was ruined by a loud, “No hello Trevor? I see how it is!” which snapped her right out of her thoughts and into reality where she saw Trevor looking at her with glaring eyes. Her mom watched equally as confused as her daughter as Trevor rambled on about being late, and the rest of the boys waiting in the car.

And that's when it clicked, Jack thought she asked him out as friends.

“Can my mom just take one photo,” she asked quietly, pointing to her mom who was silently waiting with a camera still in her hands and a warm smile on her face. “I won't take too much time,” her mother said quietly as she pushed the three of them together. Trevor found his way in between them and wrapped his arms over their shoulders to push them all closer together.

Eve heard the clicks of the camera followed by a “Perfect, have fun!” to which her mother shooed them out the door and towards Jack's beat-up car.

Trevor ran as fast as he could and hopped in the passenger seat, a loud “Z, Eve gets front seat, remember,” followed as Jack ran to the driver side of the car. Trevor hit the lock button on the door and stared at the girl through the window, a grin growing on his face as she looked to the back seat to see Alex giving her an apologetic look.

“She's wearing a dress dude, she needs the legroom,” Cole said looking at her dress and giving her a thumbs-up as Trevor let out a loud groan. “Fine!” She said a short “sorry” as he got out and held the door open for her as she got in the car. “I'm only playing with you Eve,” he shut her door and squeezed himself into the back seat.

Jack looked over at her with apologetic eyes before his eyes lingered back down to her dress, “you look pretty,” he said with a sweet smile. Her heart hammered in her chest as Jack's eyes found hers once again, "you look very handsome, I like the suit," she whispered, cheeks a bright red as Trevor started to blast Mr. Brightside over the radio.

She looked back at Alex and Trevor who danced around in the back seat, Cole taking a Snapchat video while laughing along.

This was going to be a long night.

And it was very long, but in the best way possible. A night full of laughter and dancing, shared smiles, and creating memories.

A slow song played over the speaker, which made all the couples make their way to the gym floor, the lights dim and the strobe lights bouncing off the walls and the decorations as people swayed along with the music. The group stood awkwardly, everyone other than Cole, who was off with some girl he had been talking to at the time, were staring at their feet waiting for the song to end.

Alex made eyes at Jack, catching his attention, looking from the boy to the girl who stared out at the couples on the dance floor. Jack's eyes went wide as he watched Alex motion for him to make a move, his heart starting to beat faster as he somehow convinced himself to walk over to her. "Wanna dance?" his hands awkwardly shoved themselves in his pants pockets as she wordlessly agreed with a slight nod.

He took her hand and led her to the edge of the dance floor, his hands resting on her hips as hers found his shoulders. It was tense and awkward, but it was so sweet, his laughter sounding through the entire gym as he continued to fuck up his steps, her smile bright under the dim lights.

It was perfect.

"You wanna know something funny?" she whispered as she looked him in the eyes, he nodded, his tongue darting out to wet his lips as he swayed her back and forth along with the music. "When I asked you to the dance, I meant it as a date, not just as friends," she watched his face fall as he stopped their movements. "Obviously you don't see me that way, which is fine, but I-" "You wanted this to be a date?" he cut her off, his face growing into a grin as her lips formed a straight line, "I'm so stupid," he mumbled as he ran a hand through his hair, a nervous habit of his.

Eve couldn't help but feel a mix of embarrassment and relief at his reaction. "No, Jack, you're not stupid. It's just... I thought you knew. The corsage, the suit, I mean, it all seemed pretty obvious." "No Eve I just ruined this, I wanted it to be a date so bad, but I thought you meant as friends so I took the boys 'cause I didn't think you saw me like that!"

"Take a deep breath J, It's okay, you can just make it up to me," her fingers played with the hair at the back of his neck to calm him down as they began to sway once again. "Yeah?" "Maybe dinner? Soon, hopefully?" "Yeah, dinner, maybe a movie?" she nodded sweetly.

Her eyes dipped down to his lips as the song came to an end, she leaned in but was stopped as he pulled slightly away, "I can't kiss you, not now, I want it to be perfect when I do, and romantic," he whispered as she shook her head at his stupid antics. She pressed a kiss to the high point of his cheek, on her tiptoes, hands on his shoulders to better balance herself, "You're such a dork, Jack," she whispered as he looked over to his friends all collectively giving him a thumbs up behind her back.

It was perfect.

★★★★

Summer was beautiful on her, her hair unruly with the most perfect curls, and her cheeks were dusted with freckles. He didn't know she could get prettier, but she continued to amaze him every time he saw her.

They sat in his car, her hand in his as they drove along the coast of the beach, her attention was on the sun that was beginning to set along the lake. The water is like glass, the reflection of the sky dancing on the gentle ripples of the water.

"You know what would be good," he lowered the volume of the music. She looked at him, mesmerized by the way the tan on his cheeks made his eyes an even deeper blue, "what?" she asked, her eyes bouncing around his face, admiring his side profile as his eyes landed back on the road. "Ice cream," he shrugged as she hummed in agreement, her hand squeezing his as he turned into the small student-run ice cream parlor next to the beach.

They stood in the short line, her hand still in his as he ordered their cones, him ignoring her as she offered to pay, and then finally, they found themselves situated on a picnic table. Watching the couples strolling along the sandy beach, dogs running around, and others soaking in the last few moments of sun before it was too late.

"That's an abomination to ice cream flavours," he said as she ate her mint chocolate chip ice cream right off the cone, her head leaned against his shoulder as she looked up at him with furrowed brows, "it's like toothpaste and chocolate flavoured, you're a freak for liking it!" She sat up straight and scoffed, "Says you, you're eating Vanilla!" "What's wrong with Vanilla!" "Face it, you're so boring baby," the nickname rolled off her tongue so naturally as she watched his lips pull into a grin.

One second they were staring at one another and the next his lips captured her in an all-consuming type of kiss. Sloppy, and a little rushed, but so perfect. She scooted closer to him with her free hand finding his bicep as she slightly moaned into his mouth as he nipped at her bottom lip.

The ice cream fell right out of her hand and onto the grass which pulled her away from their previous activities and had her staring at the melting scoop on the ground.

"Shit," she looked at Jack who was laughing at the unfortunate fate of her ice cream. "See, even your own body rejected it!" she shook her head at his stupidity, her hand finding the back of his neck, "shut up dork," she mumbled before kissing him once again, this time much slower and a little gentler as he smiled into her lips.

★★★★

Ellen sat in the driver's seat of the family van, Jack to her right as they drove to his morning practice. It was a little past eight in the morning, and for some reason, his chest felt funny, the pit of his stomach was tense, like he was expecting something bad to happen.

"Oh shit!" Luke said from the back of the car, pulling Jack's attention from his phone to the road. "Watch your language!" Ellen scolded as she looked in the rearview mirror to glare at her youngest.

Jack's eyes focused on the blue Volkswagon being loaded up onto a big tow truck, the passenger side of the car concave in, and his heart was in his stomach as he realized how familiar the car was. The crochet steering wheel cover made his ears begin to ring as he noticed the distinctive sticker on the bumper.

It was Eve's car.

His knee began to bounce as he dialed her number, the phone rang in his ear as tears blurred his vision as they passed by the car, his eyes not leaving the aftermath of the accident and following it long after they passed it.

The ringing stopped, no answer.

He called again

He couldn't breathe, his chest heaving slightly as his hand pulled at his hair as he continued to look at the car.

"God, I hope whoever it is, they're okay," Ellen looked in her rearview to look at the state of the car once again. "That's Eve's car," Jack mumbled as he was met with the dial tone once again, so he called for a third time. "What was that honey? You're being quiet this morning." "That was Eve's car," he said a little louder, which had Ellen gasping as she looked at her son who looked on the brink of tears.

Finally, Eve's phone picked up.

"Jack?" Eve's mother's voice came through the phone, sounding very calm, almost too calm in comparison to how Jack was feeling. "Is Eve okay, I just saw her car, I-" "She's okay, she was on the way to the school and someone ran a light, but she is okay, just getting some tests done, but nothing too bad"

A weight lifted off of his chest as the words left her mother's mouth, she could hear his shaky breaths over the phone, "If it will help your nerves you can come down to the hospital and come see for yourself that she is okay." Jack took a moment to compose himself, grateful for the offer. "Yeah, we'll head to the hospital, thank you" he looked to Ellen who nodded her head and switched into the lane en route to the hospital.

The car was tense as they drove to the hospital, the initial shock and worry began to subside, but the thoughts of 'what ifs' began to bounce around in the back of his mind. The image of Eve's damaged car lingered in his mind, a stark reminder of the fragility of life.

Ellen pulled into a parking spot and parked the car, her arm reaching out to stop her son before he got out in a panic. "J, you need to take a breath, she's okay, you can't go in there freaking out, she is gonna be a little shaken so you need to calm down," she squeezed his hand as he nodded along with his mom, wiping the dried tears from his cheek as she pressed a kiss to the side of his head, "We'll find her, and everything will be okay. Let's go."

As they entered the hospital, the atmosphere was sterile and busy. Jack's mind raced with worry, but he focused on the idea that Eve was alive and in good hands. He approached the reception desk, and Jack hesitantly asked, "I'm here for Yvette Liu," his voice was slightly shaky as the receptionist's face broke out into a soft smile "You must be Jack," the receptionist checked her computer and nodded, "her mom said you'd be here soon, she's in Room 123. You can head up there," she pointed to the hallway.

Jack's steps quickened as he followed the signs to the room. The anticipation built with each step, and when he reached the door, he took another deep breath before entering.

Inside, Eve was sitting on the hospital bed, looking a bit tired but otherwise unharmed. Her mother was in a chair beside her, engrossed in her phone. When Eve saw Jack, a smile brightened her face, and she held out her hand for him.

"Hey, J," Eve said, her voice soothing as she looked to Ellen behind him and waved, her mother saw the older woman and stood up to go and speak to Ellen and give the two a second to themselves. Eve patted the bed beside her, her hand grabbing his as he took his spot beside her, "I'm okay, just a minor concussion, but no broken bones!" she tiredly rejoiced as he leaned forward to brush her hair from her face. Jack nodded, swallowing hard to push back the emotions threatening to overwhelm him. "I was so scared, Eve. When I saw your car like that, fuck, I couldn't bear the thought of something happening to you." Eve gave him a warm, reassuring smile, "I know, J. But I'm here, and I'm okay, just a little shaken up," she raised his hand to her lips and pressed a kiss to his knuckles He couldn't help but let out a shaky laugh, relief aiding his nerves as he ran his thumb over the back of her hand, thanking the universe that she was okay.

"Thank you for being here J, for caring so much" He leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead, "Always, Eve," he almost held it back but a gentle "I love you," rolled off of his tongue which took her back a little, cheeks a pink shade as she smiled at his confession. "I love you too," she replied, her eyes sparkling with affection.

As they shared a quiet moment, Ellen and Eve's mother hovered, their conversation seemingly deep as they peered through the hospital room window at the intimate moment their children were sharing. Eve pulled back slightly, looking at Jack with a playful smirk. "Looks like our moms are conspiring over there. Probably planning our wedding already," she joked, which had Jack's face a bright shade of red as he looked up at the women who now pretended to look anywhere but at the young couple.

Jack chuckled, feeling a weight lifted off his shoulders. "Wouldn't put it past them," he squeezed her hand.

The room filled with a sense of love, as Eve ushered him to lay down on the bed next to her, her head leaning against Jack's shoulder, the two took comfort in each other's presence, grateful for the moment of calm after the storm.

★★★★

"It's here!" she said over the phone, her voice filled with excitement.

Her Rutgers letter was in her hands, and her phone pressed up against her ear as Jack's excited voice sounded on the other end.

"Do you need me to come over and open it with you?" "No! Cause if I don't get in I'll cry, and I don't want you to see me like that," she said in a joking tone, but she wasn't joking at all, if this letter started with a simple 'we are sorry to inform you' she was pretty sure she'd have a breakdown.

"You are so down on yourself pretty girl, you are gonna get in, cause you are the smartest person I know," his words were so genuine that it made her heart skip a beat, "you're gonna get that degree, and be the cutest elementary school teacher there has ever been." "God you're a flirt," she whispered as her thumb ran over her name and address. Jack chuckled on the other end of the line. "Well, if it works, then I'll keep doing it. But seriously, Eve, you've got this. You've worked so hard, and I believe in you."

She took a deep breath, feeling a mixture of excitement and anxiety. "Okay, I'm going to open it now. Wish me luck!" Eve carefully tore open the envelope, careful of the latter on the inside, her hands shaking slightly. Her eyes quickly scanned the contents, and a gasp escaped her lips, "holy shit J, I'm in, I got in!" Jack's cheers echoed through the phone. "I told you, I'm so proud of you, Eve!"

Once she calmed down she grinned, "You know what this means, we will both be in Jersey in a few months," she whispered, a lingering thought that had been in the back of her mind since the order of the draft had been determined a few days prior. Jack laughed on the other end, "That's only if I go first." "And if you don't you'll be second and in New York, so really either works for me," she teased as she listened to the melodic sound of his laughter on the other end.

"You really have everything planned out?" "Can't a girl dream? I just wanna think about being in school and pursuing a degree, and my hot superstar boyfriend being in the same city as me," she teased as she held her acceptance letter up against her chest as she leaned back on her bed. Jack chuckled, "Well, you're in luck because your superstar boyfriend is all for making your dreams come true. New York, New Jersey or wherever I end up, we'll figure it out."

The silence settled over them for a second, the realization that they were growing up, and growing together dawned on them as they let the news sink in.

"Okay enough about the future, right now I'm going over there to celebrate with you and we are gonna grab dinner or something," he said hopping off of his couch in search of his keys. "Okay, drive safe, love you!" "Love you too pretty girl, so proud of you," and with that he hung up, leaving her a blushing mess as she sat up and headed to the living room to share the news with her family.

★★★★

"Are you nervous?" she whispered, the two of them hidden away in the bathroom of their hotel suite, his tie in her hands as she helped him get in. "Yeah I am," he said slowly, his eyes flicking between her and the door, the cameras and the stress of today already starting to add pressure. Her eyes left the tie hung around his neck and looked up at him, her hands cupping his cheeks, "Where ever you end up you're gonna do amazing, and I'm so proud of you, whether you're first or last, you're everything me and you hope you know that," she stood up on her tip-toes and pressed a kiss to his lips.

Jack's tension seemed to ease a bit with Eve's words and the comforting touch of her hands on his cheeks, he looked into her eyes, grateful for her unwavering support. "I don't know what I did to deserve you, Eve."

Her lips curved into a small smile as he leaned into her touch. "I love you, you know that?" "I do," he replied, his eyes filled with affection. "And I love you too."

The draft was a blur, from sitting with Luke on the bus to watching Jack walk the red carpet, it was overwhelming, she didn't know how he was handling the stress and pressure of it all so well. Finally, they found their spots in the stands, his mother and brother sitting beside him, and her only a few chairs away.

The tension in the air was noticeable as they waited for the commissioner to walk up onto the stage. Eve's eyes never left Jack, observing the subtle changes in his expression as he talked to his family members and the occasional draftees and friends that came up to him in anticipation for their names to be called– the nervous twitches, the deep breaths, and the occasional glances toward where she sat, he was stressing.

With the opening speech concluding and New Jersey on the clock, the Hughes family grew tense as the organization made their way to the stage. She held her breath the entire minute of them organizing themselves before the general manager stepped forward and found himself in front of the mic. And then, finally, the moment arrived. Jack's name echoed through the arena, and the crowd erupted into cheers.

Luke and Eve hopped to their feet, hugging each other as they looked at the boy who made his way down the row of his family members, hugging and thanking all of them before he landed in front of her. She pressed a short kiss to his cheek as he pulled her in for a hug, "so proud superstar," she whispered, eyes filling with tears as he swayed her back and forth. "You know what this means," he pulled away to press another kiss to her temple, "we are both gonna be in Jersey, it's happening," he said as she nodded and sent him on his way to the stage, occasionally being stopped by friends and former teammates to congratulate him on his way up to the stage.

The cameras flashed, and the crowd's cheers intensified as he was presented with his new team's jersey, he was a devil now. She caught Jack's gaze from across the room, and in that moment, the world seemed to slow down. He pointed towards her, a wide grin on his face, before the first draft pick headed into the media room.

★★★★

Ellen squeezed the young girl’s hand as the announcer called out Jack’s name for his rookie lap.

The couple had both made their moves to Jersey, she resided about forty minutes away at university, and he lived with some veteran on the team as he waited to figure out his rooming situation. It had been smooth sailing for both of them thus far, she made it through orientation and frosh week, and he survived training camp, the two of them flourishing as they settled into their newfound independence.

“He looks so good out there,” Eve whispered as she watched him skate around the ice. “Imagine if he fell,” Luke laughed but was met with a glare from his father.

The Jack chants lasted a few more seconds before the light came back on for the rest of the players to be welcomed onto the ice for warmups.

“Did you meet any of his teammates?” Luke asked as he watched Jack talking with other players. Eve nodded, “Only briefly, Nico and Jesper were nice, PK took me and Jack out for dinner.” “That's sick!”

Eve looked at Ellen with a smile, nerves radiating off of her, "it’s a good group here," Eve commented, Ellen looked at her with soft eyes, "It feels like a big family." The woman nodded, thankful for the young girl’s words as she squeezed her hands and continued to watch the boys down on the ice.

After the game the entire Hughes family waited for Jack in the family lounge, the family buzzed with excitement to get their hands on the rookie, excited to celebrate his big moment. Jack was the first one out of the locker room, a grin on his face as he saw his mother and father chatting with a few other wives and parents who were also in attendance, then he saw a shy Eve a little away from the rest of the group her eyes staring at the floor. She looked up at her boyfriend, a grin on her face as he walked over to her and pulled her into his arms.

“You did amazing,” her arms wrapped around his shoulders as she squeezed him tightly, “sorry about the loss,” she mumbled as he pulled away, the smile still very apparent on his face. “It was only one game, and it was pretty close,” she was a little taken aback by this new found attitude, but she summed it up to the adrenaline of his first ever professional game, “It's a long season, and we'll bounce back. Besides, having you here makes everything better," Jack replied, giving her a quick peck on the forehead before he headed in the direction of his family.

As they left the arena, Jack slipped his hand into Eve's, a content smile on his face as it dawned on him that this was his life from now on, hockey, Eve, and Jersey, and if he was being honest there was no place he would rather be. Eve felt his grip tighten a little, and she looked up at him with a knowing smile.

★★★★

Eve sat on the arm of the couch next to her boyfriend, a grin on her face as she looked at the TV, the 2021 NHL draft was underway, virtually due to the pandemic, and the Hughes family and co. were huddled around the couch waiting to hear Luke’s name called.

Fourth was the dream.

If Luke went fourth overall it meant that he and Jack would be together in Jersey, a possible childhood dream come true.

Eve absentmindedly played with the bracelets on Jack's wrist, a habit she had developed over the years. Each bracelet held a story, a memory, and they had become a familiar and comforting presence to both of them.

As they waited for Luke's name to be announced, she glanced at Jack, finding a mix of nerves and excitement in his eyes.

“You excited?” she whispered as the Sabres called Owen Power’s name, the air tensing a little more. “Is it selfish of me to want him to go a fourth?” he asked, looking from the screen to his loving girlfriend who just shook her head with a smile. She pointed to the youngest of the Hughes brothers, his fingers tracing the Devil’s logo on the hats in front of him, “I think he wants it just as bad as you,” she whispered as she leaned toward him, pressing a kiss to his hairline as the Kraken announced their pick, being Matty Beniers.

With every passing pick the room grew a little quieter and a little more tense, by the time the third went and the ducks announced Mason Mctavish’s name the entire household was silent.

Devs on the clock.

Jack squeezed his girlfriend’s hand as the camera flashed to the Devils organization standing on a stage in front of their adoring fans, “Luke” and “Hughes II” signs lining the crowd as the general manager approached the mic.

And with that, Luke’s name was called, and the entire house erupted in screams, Jack being the first to his feet, vibrating with excitement as he pulled his brother in for a hug, Quinn’s smile never wider as Luke hugged everyone in his family before pulling one of Jack’s jerseys over his head and placed the Devils cap on his head.

Luke maneuvered his way around his family members to hug his, basically, sister-in-law. “I’m so proud Lu,” she squeezed him as he swayed them back and forth, “I can’t wait to see you and Jack on the ice together." Luke grinned, excitement in his eyes. "It feels like a dream,” he pulled away to watch her face break out into a smile, “having Jack there too, it's just amazing." “Well it’s not a dream, and we can’t wait to have you in Jersey,” she watched as his grin grew even wider before he pulled her back into his chest.

Eve watched as the Hughes family celebrated, their cheers and laughter filling the room. Jack, still buzzing with excitement, made his way back to Eve, pulling her into a tight hug, "I can't believe it," Jack exclaimed, his eyes shining with elation. Eve grinned into his chest as her arms wrapped around him, her heart swelling with happiness for both Jack and Luke.

As the draft celebration continued, Luke made his way back to Jack, a Devils jersey proudly displayed over his shoulders. The Hughes brothers shared a moment, exchanging words that went beyond the reach of the buzzing cameras and the cheers of the crowd.

★★★★

The smile had not left her face since her education degree was placed in her hands, from dinner to drinks, surrounded by family and friends celebrating the end of her education journey as she began to venture out into the adult world.

By the end of the day, her cheeks hurt from the seemingly never-ending smiles and her eyes were heavy with exhaustion. Jack’s chest had been full of pride and excitement the entirety of the day, loving the night of celebrating the girl he loved most.

As they finally found a quiet moment together in the solace of their shared apartment, Jack gently wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a warm embrace. “I'm so proud of you," Jack whispered into her ear, his voice filled with genuine admiration as she pressed a kiss to his jaw.

The two of them migrated to their room, he helped her slip out of her dress, his hands resting on the soft skin of her hips as he pressed a kiss to her shoulder, then her neck, and then on her lips. She smiled into his lips as her hands wrapped around his neck, as he helped slip her bra off and slipped one of his oversized t-shirts over her head, pulling away for just a second to get the shirt over her head and then kissing her once again.

“I really wanna continue this,” she mumbled against his lips as her hand cupped his face, “but I'm so tired,” she whispered as he smiled into her skin, face dipping down to the rest of her shoulder as he nodded along with her. “Let’s go to bed then,” he whispered against her skin before stripping himself of his dress pants and shirt and slipping on a pair of sweats.

She crawled under the covers, her entire body sinking into the soft mattress as the stress and bustle of the day left her body. Her head found comfort on his chest, hands intertwining with his, resting against his abdomen. She smiled at the gentle rise and fall of his chest, she could hear the faint thrum of his heart, she let out soft breaths as she felt his thumb begin to draw little patterns on the exposed skin of the small of her back.

With a tender gaze, Jack looked down at the woman he loved, her eyes reflecting the fatigue of the day but also the undeniable joy that lingered. The soft lighting in the room accentuated the warmth of the moment, the lights outside the window peeked through the curtains and illuminated her face as Jack examined how perfect she looked in that moment.

“I’ve been thinking about the future a lot today, our future,” she whispered as her hand squeezed his, “and I can’t imagine a future or even life without you in mine,” she pressed a kiss to his chest. A warmth spread through Jack's chest as he absorbed her sentiments, “would it be crazy if I said that I want to marry you?” "Crazy? No" Jack replied, his voice filled with genuine happiness as he sat up a little to reach into his bedside table.

"I was gonna give this to you this summer at the Lakehouse,” he sat up a little more, her sitting up as well and facing him with tears in her eyes, “I went to your parent’s house a few weeks ago and asked for permission to, cause I wanted to do it right.” “Yes I’ll marry you,” she wiped away her tears as he laughed at her quick response. “You didn’t even let me ask you,” he whispered as he opened the tiny velvet box in his hands.

She gasped at the sight of the delicate gold ring in the box, an amber gemstone adorned the band, her hand flew up to her mouth, the silence her gasps and tears as she looked back up at Jack. “Will you marry me?” She didn’t respond this time, rather she reached out to gently cup his face to capture his lips with hers.

“You didn’t answer me this time,” he mumbled against her lips as she laughed at how all over the place she was. “Of course I’ll marry you J,” She pulled away to see him just as tear-eyed as her, and with a smile that reflected the promise of a shared future, Jack took the ring and delicately slid it onto her finger.

The room, now filled with the glow of their shared happiness as they whispered short words about how much they loved one another before falling asleep in one another’s arms.

★★★★

Jack stood in the classroom doorway, a shy smile on his face as he watched her in her element, children surrounded her on the rainbow carpet as she read aloud to the thirty-something students who all listened attentively.

“Can I help you,” her educational assistant stood in front of the dopey-smiled man who held a lunch bag in his grasp. “Yes sorry, I’m her fiance, she left her lunch at home,” he said with a nervous grin as the woman nodded and let him in.

Their eyes met across the room as she gave him a soft smile but turned back to the pages of the book, pride filled his chest as he watched her from afar, talking so gently to all the little ears listening to her every word.

It was great to see her living out her dream

“You must be Jack, a hockey player right?” he nodded, “she talks about you all the time, it’s very cute,” she grinned as Jack’s face broke out into a deep shade of red. “She should only be a few more minutes, they have outdoor recess in about five minutes,” the woman added before continuing with sorting through the kid’s work from the day. He nodded thankfully as Eve wrapped up her book and instructed the kids to go out in the hall to get their jackets on in time for the bell.

Eve re-entered the class alone this time, a smile on her face as she looked to Jack who was leaning up against her desk, “You forgot your lunch, and I took a maintenance day so I thought I’d stop by and see your class” he smiled and placed the bag in her hands as she stood up on her tiptoes and pressed a kiss to his lips. “Thank you,” his hands fell to her hips as he smiled at her cute little outfit, a band t-shirt from the first concert they went to together, tucked into the waistband of her midi skirt that hugged her curves in the prettiest ways.

“I met your co-worker, and she was telling me about how much you talk about me,” he teased, watching as her cheeks reddened just slightly as she shrugged. Her hands moved up to fix the messy unkept curls on his head that she had been begging him to cut, “that’s just Emma, she likes to gossip,” she smiled widely as he nodded. “Still, you like to talk about me,” he squeezed her hips as she pulled away to sit at her desk and start eating her lunch.

Jack grew distracted as he looked around the room, the toys, the little shoes, all the colours, his mind wandered to her with the kids, she seemed to glow with passion as she read to the little ones on the couch.

“What are you thinking about?” she poked his thigh as she began to unwrap her sandwich, offering him half. He took it and looked back at her, “just about you, and kids,” he confessed as she looked at him with wide eyes. “Like me teaching, or me with a baby?” “Both I guess, you just look so in your element when you are with kids, it’s cute,” he shrugged as he bit into the corner of the sandwich.

Eve stared at him wide-eyed, “Do you, do you want kids now?” she whispered, almost as if it was a secret just between them as if they weren’t the only people in the room. “Not now per se, you just started working and we’re busy, but I wouldn’t hate to have kids at a younger age,” she nodded as he looked at her with hopeful eyes, “only if you want to though, I’ll have kids whenever you want kids.” “I wasn’t aware you wanted kids,” she smiled, “not that that is a bad thing, I love kids, and I want to have so many babies with you. Just maybe in a few years,” she said which gained a nod from him.

Jack leaned over and pressed a kiss to her lips, “whenever you’re ready I’m ready,” he grinned as she pulled away a little breathless from the surprise of his lips on hers, “okay now what other snacks did you pack with you?” he asked as he began to dig through her lunch bag. A gasp left her lips as she watched him steal the bag of pretzels, “You’re such a mooch!” “But you love me,” he said in a sing-song voice as she laughed at how cheesy he was.

★★★★

She stared at the pregnancy test on the counter, face down as she leaned against the counter, fingers massaging her temples. This couldn’t be happening right now.

With the playoffs just on the cusp of starting and the stress of getting Luke moved in and settled she completely lost track of herself, and now she was staring at a face-down pregnancy test on her counter.

She had just gotten her life together. The couple had decided on a longer engagement because of their lack of time to plan, she only had a steady teaching job for a little under a year, too much was going on in their lives, and she was not ready for this type of responsibility

A minute remained on the timer, and her heart had never been beating so hard in her entire life as she watched the seconds pass by.

She listened as the boys entered the apartment, Jack yelled out a loud “Honey we’re home,” which immediately added pressure onto the pile of stress that was building in her chest.

“Oh god,” she whispered as she flipped over the test to reveal a second line, one of her hands covering her mouth to silence the quiet cries leaving her lips as she felt the stinging of tears staring. She blinked them away, her mind going a million miles an hour as she tried to calm herself down, comforting thoughts of Jack and his excitement to have kids flashed through her mind as she stared at the stick.

A quiet knock startled her out of her thoughts, “you okay in there?” “I don’t really know,” she said weakly. “What can I do to help you?” he asked softly from the other end.

She opened the door to reveal her shocked state, the pregnancy test in her hands as she looked to Jack who just looked at it with wide eyes, “You’re pregnant?” She nodded and walked into his arms, his chest quieting her cries as he just held her, “I'm so scared,” she whispered as he pressed a kiss to her temple. “What are you scared of?” She dried her tears and opened her mouth to answer, instead becoming choked up by the tears in the back of her throat. Let's sit down and just talk about it,” he said, pulling away to go and shut their bedroom door so Luke couldn't hear the topic of conversation.

They sat on the edge of the bed, she pressed the test into the palm of his hand, Jack couldn’t help but smile softly at the thought of having a little Eve running around.

“I don’t know, I feel scared. This is a huge responsibility, and our lives are already so hectic, and I just finally got my shit together–” “Hey," Jack interrupted gently, "we got this, okay? We're a team. And no matter what, we're in this together,” she took a deep breath and nodded, “that being said we can go see your doctor and figure out our options if this isn’t something you wanna do yet,” he felt her nod, his hands ran through her curls, gently massaging her shoulder as he pressed a kiss to the side of her face.

They were in the doctor’s office at the next available date, Jack sat in the uncomfortable plastic chair of the doctor’s office as the women squeezed a generous amount of gel on Eve’s bare stomach. The young girl’s hand held his as they watched the tiny image appear on the screen. The doctor spoke very calmly as she informed them of all the things taking place during the early stages of pregnancy.

“Would you like to hear the heartbeat? If you’re comfortable of course,” the woman asked as she looked at the young couple, Jack looked to his fiance for the answer to which she softly nodded her head. The heartbeat was fast, it had Jack grinning as he looked up to see the tears in Eve’s eyes, a little smile adorning her face as she watched the screen with soft intensity.

The doctors stepped out for a second to give the couple some space, “we are gonna be parents,” Eve whispered, her eyes still on the screen. “Yeah?” “Yeah, you're gonna be a dad,” she whispered, her tone a little more sure as she finally looked Jack in the eyes, the two of them in tears as he squeezed her hands, he stood up and leaned over the bed to press a kiss to her hairline. “You're gonna be the best mom ever Eve, you are amazing,” he whispered as she wiped away his tears and looked back at the screen.

They got home that night and spent the entirety of the rest of their day talking about the future, sharing their fears, hopes, and what all of this meant for the years to come. Jack reassured her, promising to be there every step of the way. As they talked, the initial shock transformed into a soft understanding of what their life together was growing into, to embrace the unexpected with open hearts. The fear didn't disappear completely, but it was replaced with a growing sense of excitement and eagerness to face whatever lay ahead.

★★★★

The summer came slowly, the devils exited the playoffs in the second round after a good run, and everyone headed back to their hometowns for the off-season.

Luke flew back to Michigan for the summer, Quinn was off doing his own thing for a few weeks, and Jack and Eve stayed in Jersey for her to finish out the school year all while getting an early start on getting the apartment ready for the baby being welcomed into the family around the new year.

Come to the end of June the entire Hughes family now found themselves back at the Lakehouse, summer was in the air once again, and everyone was ready for the next two weeks of relaxing before summer training started up once again.

Eve had it all planned out, hiding the baby was starting to get hard as she began to show and the boys continued to point out her lack of drinking over her first week off. She made dinner for the Hughes family, Jim and Ellen drove up for the first weekend, all of their babies were in the same household for the first time in nearly a year, and everyone was ready for a weekend of good quality family time.

Eve had a stack of sonograms packed away in her suitcase, each in a little envelope for each member of the Hughes family.

Ellen rounded up all of the boys into the dining room and helped serve each of them, all of them were starved after a day of golfing at the country club just across the lake, so they had no issues finding their way to the table and digging in as soon as their plates were placed in front of them. Conversations flowed as they talked about their summers so far, they attempted to talk hockey, but Ellen shut that down, pulling the no hockey at the dinner table rule that she had when they were still living under her roof.

Jack held Eve’s hand over the table, the two of them a little nervous but so excited to share the news of baby Hughes.

“You’re quiet today,” Quinn looked to his sister-in-law as she just shrugged and continued to sip off her water. “We actually have something to give you all,” Jack picked the envelopes from the ground beside his chair and handed them out to his family members.

The second the envelope landed in his mother’s hands she knew exactly what was inside, “you’re kidding,” she ripped the paper envelope and revealed little scans from their ten-week appointment, “oh my god, is this real?” Eve nodded which elicited a chorus of surprised and excited exclamations from the Hughes family.

Quinn stared at the sonogram for a moment, his eyes widening in realization. "Wait, seriously?" he asked, looking between Jack and Eve. Jack beamed with pride, nodding. "Yeah, Quinn. We're having a baby” Quinn's expression shifted from shock to a wide grin, “holy shit that's incredible!" he exclaimed, reaching over to give Eve a gentle hug, "congratulations!"

Each family member opened their envelope and saw the sonogram, each reaction a mix of surprise, happiness, and love. Ellen wiped away a few tears as she hugged Eve tightly.

Jim Hughes, typically a man of few words, looked at the sonogram, then at Jack and Eve, and just nodded which for some reason felt a bit like a stab, but the couple just shook off his lack of reaction.

Luke, who had been the last to open his envelope, stared at the sonogram in his hands with wide eyes before breaking and looking up at his brother, and the woman who had become his older sister, “you guys, I’m almost in tears,” he got up from his spot at the table to hug his brother and sister-in-law, “I'm going to be an uncle!" he declared, hugging his brother and sister-in-law.

Later that night Jim walked outside to see Eve curled up with a book in her hand, snuggled under a blanket on one of the patio couches, her mind not focused on the book but rather the way the sunset looked on the lake. He took a seat beside her startling her from her peace, she jumped a little and looked at the man who gave her an apologetic look.

They stared at each other for a second, it was always a little tense between them, not for any particular reason, just simply because they were both rather reserved individuals. “I’ve always thought of you as a daughter, I hope you know that,” he said lowly, she was a little taken aback by the vulnerability, “I know I don’t show it, but you mean a lot to my son and family, and I’m really glad that you and Jack found each other.” Eve smiled, eyes lined with tears as she nodded along with his words, “You guys are gonna make really good parents.” “Thank you Jim, and thank you for raising such an amazing son,” she whispered as he motioned for her to come over and hug him.

They stood there for a second, awkwardly embraced, Jack and Ellen stood inside on the other end of the kitchen window with wide eyes.

“I think he felt bad he didn’t say anything at dinner,” she whispered as Jack’s attention remained on his fiance and father who sat back down and continued their conversation, “he cares about you two, and he is really proud, he just doesn’t know how to express it,” and with that Ellen pressed a kiss to her son’s cheek and headed in the direction of the living room.

Jack stayed there watching, eyes welled with tears as he witnessed the quiet, heartfelt moment between Eve and his father.

★★★★

Eve laid in bed, her face broken out in a smile as she felt her baby girl kick, “Jack,” she whispered, waking him up from his nap, his hand in her grasp as she pressed his palm to her stomach. “Did you feel that,” she whispered as Jack’s eyes fluttered open. "Yeah, I felt it," Jack mumbled, a mix of awe and sleepiness in his voice. He rubbed his eyes and focused on the gentle movements beneath his hand.

Their baby girl seemed to have a mind of her own, making her presence known in the quiet moments. Jack smiled, a deep sense of connection settling in as he felt the kicks beneath his palm.

"She's active today, huh?" he said, his voice filled with tenderness. Eve nodded, her eyes fixed on Jack's face as he experienced the magic of the moment. "She's going to be a little hockey player, just like her dad." “She can be whatever she wants, as long as she's happy and healthy,” he whispered and propped himself on his elbow to gently place a kiss on Eve's bump.

Eve watched him with adoration; the anticipation for their daughter's arrival filled her chest as Jack's hand remained on Eve's stomach.

“Can I ask you a question?” he looked up from her belly to her eyes, looking at him with so much love as she nodded, “is it bad that i'm a little scared to be a dad?” Eves smiled softened as her hand traveled down to caress his cheek, “it's not bad at all, I'm so nervous about all of it, but we are a team, and we're gonna figure it out together,” she answered honestly, her hand moving from his cheek to running through his messy bed head. Jack's gaze met hers, and he took a deep breath. "I just want to be the best dad for her, you know? I want to make sure I’m the best for her." Eve nodded, her thumb back to tracing comforting circles on his cheek, "and you will, Jack. You already love her so much, and that's the most important thing.”

Jack nodded at her words, chest feeling a little lighter from the vulnerability, his hand moving from her bump to hold hers, pressing light kisses to her knuckles, “I’m the luckiest guy ever, you’re perfect,” he whispered as he leaned over to kiss her on the lips. They lingered in the quiet afterglow of their shared vulnerability, surrounded by the anticipation of their growing family.

★★★★

“She’s so little,” Jack whispered as the nurse placed baby Mei in his arms for some skin-on-skin contact, his voice full of emotion as he stared at his daughter who looks like a spotting image of her mother.

Eve watched her fiance through tired eyes, “she's perfect,” she smiled as Jack looked up at her on the verge of tears. “You did this,” he whispered, amazed, filling his tone as he looked baby down at the cooing baby in his arms, marveling at the tiny fingers and the soft, peaceful expression on her face. The weight of responsibility and the beauty of the moment seemed to collide for him, and he felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

“You should try and get some rest.” Eve shook her head and continued to watch Jack and Mei’s first real interactions, “how am i meant to sleep when you have your shirt off like a slut and you're holding our baby,” she teased which made him smirk at her forwardness. “You think I look hot like this?”Jack chuckled, as he heard a hum of agreement. Eve grinned, feeling a surge of warmth at the playful banter despite the tiredness, "you're certainly rocking the dad look right now.” Jack rolled his eyes in mock offense. "You love it." "I do," Eve admitted with a soft laugh. "I love everything about this," she motioned to his current state.

Eve fell asleep soon after, the stress of the night and exhaustion taking over caused her to drift off just after Mei’s first feeding.

Jack sat quietly in the corner of the room, Mei in the bassinet provided by the hospital, his hand bed gently stroking his daughter's cheek as she quietly cooed at the feeling of her father’s touch. “You look just like your mama,” he whispered, her face following the sound of his voice, as if she recognized him which made his heart leap in his chest. “My baby Mei, there is not a thing in the world i wouldn't do to protect you, or give you,” he picked her up and gently placed her back on his chest.

Jack's voice softened as he continued to speak to his newborn daughter, "I never thought I could feel so much love for someone I just met," Jack whispered, his gaze fixed on Mei's delicate features. "Your mom and I, we're going to give you the best life."

As Mei nestled against Jack's chest, he marvelled at the tiny human, a creation of his and Eve’s love. The weight of responsibility blended seamlessly with the joy of fatherhood, filling his whole being as he continued to watch his baby.

In the dimly lit hospital room, a new family was born – a family bound by love and the shared journey of raising their beloved daughter

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