Bristol Raeken

It was probably selfish that Natasha felt almost grateful her parents were still missing. Not a day went by that she didn’t miss them, but it would almost be weird for them to be in her life again now. And the McCalls and Jacobsons had all taken her in, in their own ways. Lydia and Scott had been remarkably chill about any baby questions too, though that was probably because of all the grandchildren they had. “Have they met their son?” She snorted, raising her eyebrows. If she wasn’t ready for children, there was no way Brylan was. “Someday you are going to have beautiful, genius, broody blonde babies. Keyword, someday.” Tasha sighed, shaking her head. “How often are they even asking now?”

Bristol knew that it could certainly be worse considering Laura and Jackson didn’t ask too often, and it was mostly always joking. Still though she knew there was a certain pressure to eventually have children. “It was more jokes about who is going to be next, but I’m not ready and I know Brylan sure isn’t either,” She admitted shaking her head knowing that it wouldn’t be for a few years. Eventually she would want to have those beautiful babies, but it would take some time. “It’s just hard being around the perfection of them all for what feels like week. I know they love me too, but it’s hard not to compare myself and see my short comings”

“Yes, and good thing too, I was running out of wrapping paper to use for gifts from Santa.” She sighed, looking at her sister carefully. “Are you okay?”

“You could have texted a certain elf to go pick more up, and you know it,” Bristol reminded her sister as she shrugged her shoulders, “I’m alright. I just need a break from all the cheer and Brylan’s parents wondering if we’re going to give them any grandkids.”

“Are you tired of all the decorations and fake cheeriness?” Tasha teased, pulling her legs underneath her from where she was at the edge of the bed. “Yes, they’re very much over.”

“The fake cheeriness and all the family time,” She knew that once upon a time she would have done anything for their parents to be home and the families to be together, but she needed to be able to breath without Brylan’s parents asking when they were going to have babies. “I just need a break from being asked about babies and getting married. I know they mean well, but I need a few weeks from it.”

“Thank god they are.” Brylan let out a sigh as he dropped down next to her. Much as he loved his family, he needed a few days without all of them together. Especially now. He hadn’t exactly felt the same since his brother turned up, the very twin that he always thought was dead. And while getting to know Darian was great, it felt like a dream. Letting out a heavy breath, Brylan shut his eyes as he put an arm behind his head. “Please tell me we don’t have to leave the house the next couple days.” 

Bristol loved seeing her sister and nephews and niece and even Brylan’s family, but she needed the break. She needed a few days with just her boyfriend and no stress on either of their shoulders. “We only have to leave the house if you hate me,” she shifted to rest her head on his chest, “My plan is to spend the next few days in minimum clothing with no one else around, but you.”

“Clearly. There’s a reason the boys have to work so hard for our attention.”

“Oh they’ve been trying? I haven’t really noticed. Although I wouldn’t put it past them to kidnap us eventually.”

“You don’t have to do anything.” Brylan promised, putting his arms around her and kissing her forehead. “I’m sorry, he got in my head, I got worried. I’m an idiot.”

“You’re not an idiot, I have to admit though seeing you jealous is nice,” Bristol admitted smiling warmly, “You’re the one I want to live my life with. I love Tasha, but she’s not the one I want to marry.”

“It’d be nice for us to get a break from everyone else anyway. We’ve been seriously deprived lately.”

“I know, it’s almost as if you have a life outside our friendship which is completely unacceptable.”

“I don’t know, something Parker said got to me.” Brylan admitted with a sigh. “I guess I wanted to make sure for my own sanity.”

“Parker is also Parker, who shouldn’t be listened to,” Bristol reminded him as she walked over in order to drape her arms around his shoulders, “I love you, Bry. What can I do to make it more obvious?”

“Undoubtedly.” Tasha agreed with a laugh. “It’d be nice if we split up for the night, though. I’ve heard sometimes it can be good to be away from boyfriends for a little bit.”

“Oh without a doubt I know that we need time away from the boys. Besides it’d be nice to get you away from Parker for a few hours before your niece or nephew steals you away.”

“They might want to, anyway. It’s been awhile since any of us have done that.”

“I think we could con the boys into a double date slumber party style if we really wanted to.”

“I just wanted to make sure we’re okay.” Brylan admitted. “You’re okay, right?”

“Yeah I’m fine, why? What’s going on?”

“Just be honest, B. It’ll be okay. And if you need somewhere to decompress, Parker can always sleep on the couch and we can have a sleepover.”

“Parker can always have a sleep over with his best friend if need be,” Bristol reminded her with at least some amusement.

“If you’re really worried, just tell him. He loves you, he won’t shut you down.”

“I’ll do my best. I just don’t know how to start that conversation with him.”

“There’s nothing wrong with that though, some people aren’t built for each other. Callum is great, but it wasn’t right. And I’m quite positive that he knows, Bris, but I’m happy to remind him myself if need be.”

“No, I just wish that I could be certain he knows that he’s my everything. He’s the one I picture having children with and dealing with when I’m old.”

“Bristol, love of my life, best friend in the world, the person that may have become my in-law in a world you stayed with Cassidy,” she sighed, shaking her head. “I don’t believe for a single second that Brylan takes any of that seriously. He’s crazy about you.”

“Honestly me and Cassidy were not made for each other for the same exact reason anything long term wouldn’t survive between us. As long as he knows that I’m never leaving him even for you I think I’ll be okay.”