i write tragedy, not sins.

I’m glad I got paired with you rather than anyone else. Those words caused Blair to smile and she swore she could feel a redness in her cheeks. She looked down, hoping to hide that reaction from the man that had caused it. Oh boy. Blair was fucked. She’d told herself to take it slow, tell her mind and her heart not to get fooled by every nice guy she came across —- after all, one of them did end up cheating on her with her best friend. The rest of the situation was locked inside Blair’s mind, unable to be thought of or talked about. It was better that way. 

“I’m glad I got paired up with you, too,” she agreed, finally looking up at him and gathering some courage to say her next words, “fun fact, I actually had a crush on you in high school. Best friend’s older brother.” Blair hoped that little comment would give him a reason to say something that would make Blair realize she was thinking too hard about it. It’d give her a way out, a realization that she shouldn’t be thinking about anything — or anyone — else besides her best friend’s wedding. “Kind of a cliché, I know.”

Blair looked at the boxes in front of them as they got to the scene. Parker’s words caused a small chuckle to escape her, a teasing smile appearing on her lips afterward. “What? A badass SEAL can’t handle a couple of decoration boxes?” she teased, looking at him with mischief in her eyes.

      Parker could hardly believe the words ringing through his ears-- she had a crush on him in high-school. Her, Blair Molina, the woman now in his vicinity, aline. Of course, she was different back then, but she had always grabbed his attention, being the only one of Abby’s friends that he could truly stand to be around. She was different, lively-- she understood things that others didn’t. She wasn’t like the other friends Abby brought around, like the one she was currently working with. Blair was someone he could stand to keep around-- especially for longer than a week.

      But before he could comment back, his mouth open and ready to speak, she spoke again, a humourless tone to her voice which caused him to laugh in turn. “We’re not actually all that badass you know. We just talk a lot of smack.” That wasn’t the truth, not in the least. A few boxes were nothing in comparison to the things he had seen and the things he had dealt with. He didn’t want to introduce to the demons he had buried beneath the surface. “I think I can handle a few boxes but if stringers start to strangle me, you better come to my rescue.”

Dilan couldn’t believe that she had been graced with a man so selfless and loving that he’d put a fucking saint to shame. Despite asking him to give up their home and lifestyle at the drop of an hat, he chose to open his arms to children whom he owed nothing to. While she knew he would be on board even before she entered the home, it still shocked her. Fingers pushed stray hairs that had fallen from the male’s bun away from his face as she peered at him. Walking away from him had been the worst mistake and she was still doing her best to remind him each day how much she adored and loved him. “You’re so fucking unbelievably caring and loving. I love you so much.” Peppering kisses upon his cheeks and jaw, she settle with a deeper one upon his lips. If only there were words that could thoroughly explain the feelings that blossomed in her chest. 

“I can’t believe we’re doing this. We’re either crazy or insane. Maybe a little bit of both.” She said on a laugh as she searched his hues. Excitement, fear, worry — all emotions they seemingly shared. “We’re in this together, no matter what. They’re great kids and they just need someone to be there for them. That’s all.” While she worked with kids on a daily basis, she knew it was different for the male. Therefore, she hoped that she could reassure him. 

“We probably aren’t going to be doing anything for a little bit, so I’ve heard worse idea’s.” She whispered with a grin. Fingers coursed down the front of his shirt as she tugged upon it while her teeth sunk into her lower lips. Nevertheless, they paused to wait for his response. “But only if you want.” She’d dumped a load on him and wouldn’t blame him if sex was the last thing on his mind. “We always have a car and a garage. It’ll be tight but I’m sure we’ll manage.”

       Her words made Kelai’s heart flutter with emotion, words unable to leave his mouth. It was unusual for the burly man to get choked up with emotion, but when it came to the woman seated in his lap, she made his heart race and butterflies roam in the pit of his gut. She was everything he had dreamed of and had hoped for, she was everything he needed and he had her. He had her in his reach, in his arms. Dilan was the love of his life, the haunting whisper in his dreams when he closed his eyes and the smile that seemed to cause one of his own.

      Shaking his head, an excited laugh escaped the back of his throat, “I can’t either,” But he was more excited than he could ever truly anticipate. The thought of having children roaming their house, playing with their dogs, making their hearts larger and more full-- he couldn’t think of anything that seemed better. A life with Dilan, one that was maybe a little unconventional but everything that he could ever truly dream of.

     “We’re doing this,” Kelai whispered, his voice deep with husk, almost breathless. She did that to him, she turned him to mush. His fingers couldn’t stop themselves from trailing their way under material, finding the claps of her bra and resting there. He wouldn’t move further, not unless she told him too-- not until he had her begging. “I want you now,” He admitted, his tone almost demanding. Although the car and garage seemed appealing, he wanted her in their home before kids decided to grace it. He wasn’t going to stop now.

“Oh, just stop lying to me and yourself. Yes you do keep pushing me away. I’ve done it to you as well and I’ll be the first to admit that. But it’s really getting tiring that you don’t take any freaking responsibility.” Iris mumbled in basically a long run on sentence. They usually didn’t try to get mad or raise their voice to anybody, but the blonde was really starting to make Iris feel as though she was losing her mind. Was Iris the only one really truly listening to what Dakota was actually saying?! Iris sighed loudly, “babe. I give you all the time when I’m not working. I don’t know what to do about getting less hours at work. I’m lucky to have a job I have since what I do there is so few jobs in between…” Iris ran their hand through their hair. “I don’t know what to do to keep my job and give you what you want. I’m trying here babe, but you gotta meet me in middle ground.” Swallowing thickly, Iris tried not to look into Dakota’s gorgeous eyes. “So what, are you saying you don’t want us to be together anymore? If so, just tell me. I’m done playing games.”

       Maybe Iris was right, maybe Dakota was pushing them away but she wasn’t willing to admit to herself. After it was evident that Iris was doing it to her first, Dakota had decided she was going to do it in turn. She would make the other feel the same way she was feeling-- alone and desperate for the comfort of another. Unfortunately for Dakota, it had driven her to a breaking point, leading her and Iris to this moment, this confrontation. 

      “You work so much!” Interrupted the blonde, her voice higher than it had been previously. “You’re gone all the time.” Of course Dakota wanted them to have the job of their dreams, to be able to do whatever they wanted with their lives, but she also wanted a partner. She didn’t want to be second choice, especially not to some career. 

      Dakota felt defeated, a huffing rising from her chest, her blue hues down-casting to avoid looking at Iris, “I quit my job so we didn’t have to put our lives on hold anymore,” The military, the career of her dreams, the job that had initially tore them apart with Dakota always on leave. “And you can’t bother to do the fucking same so now, so no, I’m not sure if I want us to be together anymore.”

Esme knew that walking away from the male would tear her to pieces. But in the end, she would break her own heart if that meant that she could ensure her children would grow up to be strong and safe. She’d work as many hours that she needed and hopefully find a babysitter. They were still young enough that their hearts would shatter, but growing without a father would still deprive them of a dire connection. Would she be taking more from them if she chose to leave? Uncertainty plagued her mind as her brow furrowed while she slowly stitched the man she loved back together. Could she live like this if this was only the beginning rather than the end? With every few stitches, the brunette’s hues flicked upwards to the male as to ensure he wasn’t in too much pain. 

“That’s a big promise,” she whispered to him as an half-hearted smile framed her lips. While he was affectionate in his own way, she had never heard those words leave his lips more than an handful of times. At least not directed to her. Their children had always captured the male’s hearts and they were the recipient to most of his affections. She wouldn’t have it any other way as what she wanted most was for him to love his children endlessly.

Letting her eyes fall towards his wound, the brunette plucked the scissors from the counter and snipped the last suture, fingers expertly peeling a sterile bandage to place on top of it. For a moment, she wanted to test him on that but knew that he wouldn’t lie. He’d protected them thus far that she couldn’t imagine he’d let them stay if their security was even slightly uncertain. “I’m not staying in the house. I don’t want to disrupt their lives.” She whispered as dark hues searched his. 

His touch was welcomed and the brunette gravitated towards him. A deep breath sucked into her lungs as she peered over at the man that reserved his softness for his family, but could be cold steel if he needed to be. He was a dangerous and demanding man, one who’d given her a glimpse of it. “Okay,” she whispered softly. “I trust you. I’m not going anywhere without you.” Truthfully, she wouldn’t know how to survive without him.

Two singular words and they were enough for the woman to pause, frozen in place as her heart jumped rapidly against her chest. “What?” she managed to whisper, the world around them fading as all she could hear was blood rushing in her ears and the frantic air that rushed out of her lungs. “I…. Are you serious? I’m covered in your blood.” She paused, looked at him momentarily before it all melted away. “It’s about fucking time. ” Tears blurred her vision, a crimson hand rose to meet the side of his face. Leaning forward, the brunette whispered the words into his lips. 

“Yes. ”

      Carlos knew it wasn’t the time to propose, especially considering he was pretty much bleeding out. But the two of them had been skirting around each other for so long and the idea had been at the back of his mind since he found out she was pregnant-- it wasn’t out of duty. Carlos didn’t stick around because of that, he stuck around because he was in love with the mother of his children and this was the first time he truly admitted it to himself and in doing so, he had popped the question. Time and time again he’d thought about doing, meant to pop the question, but now? Now it slipped and it felt right and he didn’t care.

      But the word Yes-- it was like a dream come true, a word he had thought about hearing her say time and time again. Instantly, Carlos lurched forward to press his lips against her own, his emotions being poured into the kiss. It wasn’t perfect, he knew it, and he still needed to get her a ring-- one she deserved, one she loved. But he was in love, he fucking loved her, and her and their children, they were everything to him. Everything he had done, it was for then, to ensure they would turn out ok. Of course, in turn he risked his own life, but he knew-- in the end, they would be okay.

     “I’m sorry it’s not perfect,” He muttered, his voice genuine with its apology. He knew she deserved better, deserved more, but he wanted to give her everything he could, everything she deserved.  “But I promise you, Mama, everything is gonna be alright.”

It was still weird to be here — not in this environment — but living the life her sister had mere months prior. Despite having been told that she was an effortless addition to the group, it still left a pit in her stomach. Maybe she’d forever be living in the shadow of her sister. If not in her shadow, always being compared to her. Perhaps it was why Kelly looked away when she felt his gaze on her. No matter the times she’d been told that he’d come around, she wasn’t sure she believed it. Perhaps he’d only grown to accept her presence because everyone had fully integrated her into the group, but she still remained ignorant on whether he truly wanted her here.

In true fashion, the moment she noted that they were alone, she jumped to the opportunity to confront him. With a bit of liquid courage dangling from her fingers in the form of a beer bottle, she pushed herself into his office. Words left her lips in a hurry as if worried that if she didn’t spit them out, she never would voice them. While her eyes flicked everywhere but on him, she only realized she’d been holding her breath until he spoke. 

“Is that a good or bad thing?” The brunette asked then, shifting to the wall adjacent his desk, leaning upon it. Maybe she didn’t want to know, but still she stood and waited his answer. Perhaps these questions would only suffice to ensure the feelings that had grown in her chest weren’t something she made up. What if he felt the tension there too? Could they realistically do anything about it? He’d been married to her twin mere months ago, promised to spend the rest of his life with her. 

It was stupid, she decided a moment later as thoughts circled her mind. The moment they’d voice it, they wouldn’t be able to take it back. It would mean they’d have to face whatever lingered between the two of them. “Fuck,” she said as she pushed herself off of the wall and cleared her throat. “You know, I probably should go. You’re busy with your… paperwork and I wanted to work on the bike but Elias isn’t here and the other guys. Maybe I should just go. You’re busy.” Words continued to pour out her mouth as she internally swore at how awkward she’d turned. A fucking school girl with a crush on the unattainable boy. Moving to the door, she placed her hand on the door knob and peered back at him. “You should stop staring, Kels. They’ve been talking.”

       Maybe I should just go. You’re busy. Instantly, the blonde’s head began to shake and the paperwork strewn about his desk long forgotten. Taking a deep breath, Kelly stood from the wood desk and shook his head, a humourless laugh escaping his lips, his voice quiet as he spoke, “I don’t want you to go anywhere.” He admitted quietly, and it was the truth. He didn’t-- she was an addition he found himself unable to give up. She’d been on his mind day in and day out, every time he closed his eyes her imagine popping up. He knew it wasn’t her sister that was haunting his dreams anymore, it was her. The way she laughed, the way the corner of her lips tilted up when she smirked, she challenged him, maybe him think. Made him... stronger.

       Although he loved Elena, Kelly knew she wasn’t right for him, wasn’t right for the lifestyle he chose to lead. She was good, too good. Naive in ways nobody else could understand, she saw the good when nobody else could. She was too pure for the life of crime and motorbikes and guns. That’s why she hadn’t lasted long, but Erika? She was strong, different. She knew how to handle herself, she spoke even when nobody wanted an option, she made herself known. She fit in and she made him feel like he could breath. Like for a moment he could close his eyes and he wouldn’t have to worry about her running for the hills because she was strong enough for the life.

       Steeping around his desk, the blonde slowly moved towards the brunette, blues hues never leaving her. “I don’t give a fuck what they say,” He admitted, his voice low, meant only for her ears. There was nothing but truth laced through the words that left his mouth, “They can say and believe what they want but only you and I need to know the truth.” But that wasn’t the case--- his men weren’t talking shit about them, they were only saying how different Kelly had been until Erika popped into his life.

       Kelly reached forward only to grasp her arm and turn her around fully until they were face to face. He went to speak but no sound escaped him, and instead he took steps forward her until he had her pushed against the door, crowded. Kelly’s face was mere inches from her own as he spoke, his voice barely above a whisper.

      “You hear me?-- I don’t give a fuck.”

“Gem,” the male warned when she grasped at the thumb he’d dragged along her lip. Mouth parted slightly to suck in a deep breath while his other hand dug into her sides. She was driving him crazy and worst yet; she knew what she was fucking doing. His head shook as he let his eyes flick over her then, taking in her lithe form beneath his short. Circling his arm around her, he grasped at the material as to tighten it around her so he could see the body he’d worshipped every single night since his arrival — multiple times. “The things I’d fucking do to you right now,” he hissed at her, gently bitting at her shoulder. 

“I can’t wait. I want to watch you waddle and get up in the middle of the night so i can run to the store and get you whatever fucking concoction you want.” The male whispered on a grin, pressing his lips to hers when he dipped his head close enough. It wouldn’t be the same as seeing her through a glass wall, or being unable to touch her in the visitation room. No, he was going to be there and memorize every fucking detail of it. Worship every inch of her the entire time. 

Despite the fact that she was talking to their daughter, Elias was nodding alongside her. Fuck, it was the best idea he’d ever heard. “They’re gonna take good care of you while I take good care of mama.” The male said on a laugh, ducking his head to press a kiss to his neck. He was a goner, there was nothing more he could think about than ravishing her and bending her over every fucking piece of furniture that they owned. 

The kiss was brief, torn from him too soon and before that, she was gone. He couldn’t help but watch her with dark hues. Rising from his position, she shifted himself slightly to hide his visible arousal. “I’ll…. fuck, I’ll fix some bottles.” He could barely think straight and only hoped that Kelly wasn’t busy because he’d have to go drag the male here himself if it meant he could get laid sooner rather than later. “Tell him it’s an emergency, Gem! No time to waste!”

      With Elias’ rushed words, Gemma couldn’t contain the giggle that escaped her lips, hopping from his lap to pull Charlie into her arms. The blonde was intent on getting their daughter ready quick and to call her brother at the same time. When she was preparing to get the little girl changed, Gemma called her brother with an aggressive enthusiasm. She knew the older male wouldn’t say no, especially if it meant he could spend time with his niece. The woman was also sure Kelly understood what she was going through-- finally having the love of her own life back in her arms. He had to understand that she wanted the brunette all to herself, in her arms at all times. Of course, she wanted the same with her daughter, but it was different with Eli, of course it was---- He knew her inside and out, like nobody else.

      Gemma was quick to get Charlotte dressed in a pair of dash-washed baby-jeans and a cute pink long-sleeve top alongside a sweater just encase it got too cold. When the baby was ran, the pair emerged from the little girls room with a smile. It shouldn’t be long now, she thought, Kelly should be there any minute to get the other half of her heart, the little girl being carried in her arms-- But even with the baby present, as soon as green hues landed upon the male, all thoughts went out the window.

      Thankfully, she was knocked from her thoughts with a knock at the door. Instantly, with Charlie in her arms, the blonde made way to the front door with an excited, “Who’s that Charls? Is that Uncle Kelly?” Gemma exclaimed, getting the baby ready and prepared for the man to walk through the door. When it opened, Kelly stepped through the threshold with a grin, giving a nod to Elias. Gemma didn’t give him much chance to speak as she rushed Charlotte over to Eli, allowing the man to give her a kiss and bid her goodbye before taking the baby back to Kelly.

      Looking at her brother, Gemma sternly muttered, “Take care of my baby...” It was hard saying goodbye to the little girl but she knew, when the little one was gone, she had the man behind her all to herself. And the whole house. Which meant the pair could do anything they pleased, the thought allowing Gemma to let go of the child. Handing Charlotte over to Kelly alongside her diaper bag, Gemma planted a kiss upon babies head and wished them a quiet goodbye before closing the door behind her. She knew Charlotte would be taken care of and in no time--- Charlie would be in the back of her mind all together.

It had been a mere spur of the moment decision when he’d walked out of the hell hole that was Ikea. The sign had caught his attention and the words left his lips. It had felt right when he thought about it but hearing Max voice it kind of settled the decision for the blond. Sure, it would be fucking hard to train and have a new addition to their small apartment, but he felt it was an added distraction. However, he wanted for the two to be ready for it. What would break his heart more than anything was for one of them to decide getting a dog was to early and they’d be forced to relocate the animal. Despite his rough interior, Theo had one of the softest hearts and when he loved — he loved with his whole being. He wouldn’t survive a lost animal. 

“What?” Theo asked with a raised brow, slightly surprised. With his hand into Max’s, the male couldn’t help but let his grin widen at the thought of the two coming out with two dogs. “I think it’ll solve all our problems. We get to have two dogs, a new apartment to fit them and hopefully we can find it furnished so we don’t have to return to fucking Ikea.” He said on a grin, leaning over to kiss Max’s cheek. “Plus, I think we’d be the cutest fucking dog dad’s ever. We have to start thinking about names. Also, I’m voting for a big dog. You?”

       Maximo wasn’t prepared for the reaction that came from Theo, his dark hues widening in surprise. His hand gave a gentle squeeze to the other blondes as he continued to listen to the others words. The brunette had been prepared for a speech that went something like two was two too much too soon, their apartment wasn’t big enough just yet but they could get another one when they moved into something bigger, and last but not least, Theo wanted him all to himself. But what had left the other mans lips caused Maximo to grin widely and for him to give a small shake of his head mixed with a quiet laugh of happiness.

     “Really, you think two will solve all our problems?” Max was skeptical to say the least, but he was prepared and ready for two. If they could get back into routine after Theo left prison, they could make anything work. Dogs could be a piece of cake-- kids on the other hand? Not something Max wanted to think about just yet. “You know, we could have always just ordered the furniture online, right? That way we wouldn’t have had to go into the store?” The brunette knew that wasn’t necessarily the best option, especially if the furniture came in the wrong size, but it would make things easier. Then again, had they not gone today, the idea of dogs never would have come into the equation.

      Thinking about it, Max made a face before speaking, “Haven’t really thought about sizing... I figure I’ll know when I see one.” 

While Dilan had known that Kelai would support her in any decision she made, she had only been afraid that he would do so against his better judgement. It was a big sacrifice to their normal routine and lifestyle to take in one child, let alone two. Nevertheless, the male had the biggest heart she’d ever seen and while they hadn’t talked about it, she knew he would make the best father. How she’d gotten so lucky was beyond her. As lips parted to remind him that they didn’t have to do this, it closed instantly with his questions. For a moment, she felt as if her chest would crack open because she couldn’t possibly fit any more love for him within her heart. But as he spoke, visibly worried that they weren’t prepared for the children, emotions coursed through her she could not control. 

Lifting from her seated position, the brunette slid into Kelai’s lap as tears streamed down her eyes. All from the happiness, love, and care that she felt for the man she’d fallen in love with. With her arms wrapped around his neck, the woman burrowed her head into the crook while she allowed the emotions to pass. “I love you so much.” She whispered softly as her hold tightened. “I don’t know how I got so lucky to be loved and to love such a great man with a big heart.” Pulling back enough to look at him, she placed her hands on either side of his face and leaned in to kiss him. “We’ll be missing stuff for tonight but i thought we could give them our bed and maybe sleep on the blow up mattress. Then tomorrow we can go shopping.” She said softly, brushing her thumb along her cheeks to catch the stray tears. “I think they’re ready but before we call, I just want to stay like this for a second longer.” Not because she feared they wouldn’t get time together again or that this would be different — but to be able to live in this moment for a moment. Where they chose to foster and how happy she felt about doing something good for children who had no one else in this world. After a moment, she couldn’t help but laugh. “I also don’t think I’ve ever been more turned on you.” 

      Kelai couldn’t stop the way his arms slid around her waist, almost as if to pull her closer to his chest, as close as possible. He knew he had been so lucky to have found her, to be able to share such a love. He never thought it truly possible, not after she had walked away the first time, leaving him with his dog and his broken heart. After she’d walked away, she’d played on his mind over and over again, like a dream he couldn’t make reality. But finally, things had slowly slid into place and he once again had her in his arms and he wouldn’t ask for anything else. Kids coming into their lives, although not their own by blood, only made his heart swell more, allowing it to love harder. Whether Dilan knew it or not, she was giving Kelai everything he had ever dreamed of since he was a boy, lonely and being raised by two loving grandparents.

      When soft lips pressed against his own, Kelai leaned into the kiss and returned it before puling back to lean his forehead against her own, her words ringing through his ears as he spoke. The kids were coming tonight, they didn’t have everything just yet but they would get it all together. The kids were coming tonight. But he had to agree with her, he wanted to stay like this for a second longer. If children were coming, the man knew that meant the two of them wouldn’t have as much alone time together and right now, he wanted to give her everything he could.

     “Don’t say shit like that unless you want me to take you right here on this fuckin’ couch,” He muttered, his lips pressing once again to her own, his hands slowly trailing their way up along her sides, his fingers itching their way beneath the soft fabric of her shirt.

Esme wanted to believe him more than she liked to admit. It was in her nature to worry but that had only grown tenfold with the birth of her children and the blossoming love for the man who was their father, albeit how dangerous his life was. “I need to believe that but I can’t.” She spoke hoarsely as she looked him over. Not because she feared he was lying or wouldn’t do everything in his power to ensure that they all were safe — but because she was smeared with his blood. It had begun to dry upon her skin. “I’m covered in your blood, babe.” Her voice shook as she blinked tears out of her eyes. Despite knowing he was okay, she was shaken to the core at the sight of the man she loved covered in crimson despite the numerous scars she’d seen adorning his skin. “Tell me again when we’re done.” 

She’d longed for those words more than she’d ever wanted to admit. Even when he’d returned home and she had known that perhaps he’d fallen into the arms of another woman. While she told herself that he always came home to her, it had hurt. Their beginning had been shaky; a mere one night stand that turned into the pair attempting to messily raise rambunctious twins. Nevertheless, their bond had grown and all she’d ever wanted was the assurance that she was not alone with those feelings. “I love you,” she whispered, peering at him when his hand found the back of her neck. Leaning forward, the brunette placed a tender kiss to his lips. “It’s a good thing you’re going to have all the time in the world to show me.” She told him with certainty as she began to start the stitches. “Right? You’re going to tell me and our kids every day. Because we can’t lose you.”

Wiping her cheek against her upper arm, the woman cleared her throat and returned her focus upon the stitches. His words cut through her like a blade, and while she’d known deep down that Carlos was a man who lived in a world where death was a normal occurrence, Esme lived in one where she helped and healed. “Is someone going to come looking for you?” she whispered softly. Whether it be enemies or the police department. “Are we safe— are you sure we’re safe?” Angered bubbled into her chest but she did her best to swallow. Healing was what he needed to do, but still, she couldn’t help but fear what her life, as well as that of her children, would entail now that she had fallen for the head of a criminal organization. 

“Is this where I leave you to protect our children?”

       Carlos nodded at her words, hissing in pain as she began the stitching process. Her words were grounding, his anchor. The thought of her, their children, that’s what kept him going, doing what he was doing. He knew it was dangerous, one that could either end with him in prison or dead-- both weren’t options he saw for himself. Not when he had the woman of his dreams fixing him up, already given everything he had once dreamed of as a kid. Carlos knew he made dumb mistakes, decisions that tarnished him as a person ever since he was a teenager, but Esmeray was never a mistake. She was his, the one thing he kept around through it all and the one person he knew he could turn to with anything. She was it, and everyone knew it. His men knew not to touch her, not unless for protection, or their boss would have their heads.

      “I’m gonna say it everyday,” He already did to his children and he knew, Esme deserved more. She deserved everything she desired and Carlos promised himself he would do whatever he could to give it together. Tonight had just been the first step to taking over everything. It was the thing that got him where he needed t be. The bleeding, the wounds, it was just a misstep that had then been taken care of. He knew, for now, there was nothing to worry about besides his wounds healing.

      Dark hues found the brunette as he nodded slowly, his words firm as they left his lips, “We’re safe. Nobody is gonna come after us,” Nobody’s alive to, he thought but didn’t say. Carlos didn’t want to give away all the details, but he knew she was deserving of the information that wouldn’t scar her. “We’re safe,” He confirmed, his eyes looking around the small bathroom before falling again on her, “I’ve got men everywhere, looking out for us, our kids. We’re good, Mama.” His voice this time was soothing as he spoke, as Carlos tried to reassure Esme that everything would be okay. 

      Dark brows furrowed as blood strained fingers brushed away brunette hair from her beautiful face, “I’m not goin’ anywhere without you. Ever.” Carlos admitted, voice low and dangerous as he spoke. “It’s you and me, baby. You, the kids, you ain’t going anywhere until I tell you to.” Until life gets too dangerous for them and he needs to pull himself away to protect them.

     “Marry me,” The words left his mouth without a second thought-- maybe his mind was clouded with pain, trying to push it all away, or maybe he was truly and madly in love with her. Carlos knew he was, and he knew, if she was by his side nothing would touch her and vice versa.

@cxgitando​

It had been weeks since Erika had forced her presence on Kelly’s club. She’d initially returned with a handful of questions about her sisters death, but throughout those visits, she’d also formed numerous friendships with the guys. Even stayed with them until the wee hours of the morning, drinking and laughing. Many had hushed their preference for Erika, but never directly to her face. Despite that, the same kind of relationship never extended towards Kelly. Mostly because the two had tiptoed around one another as much as possible, despite the stares from across the room.  Evidently to most, there was electricity that clung to the air when they were both in the same room, but no one dared voice it aloud to their face. Perhaps amongst themselves when they were out on their own, but never in front of the two. Plus, she was certain that both she and Kelly would deny the mere mention of it, much less any feelings that did surface. 

It was one of those nights where the brunette had been left tossing and turning within her hotel room. After some contemplation, Erika had decided to head down to the Club house. As she pushed the door open, her brow furrowed when she was welcomed by a few passed out forms in the corner. Moving behind the bar, Erika plucked a beer as she ventured further into the club house until she noted a light on. Knuckles rapped against the door before she stepped inside where the man she’d been avoiding sat. “You hiding?” she asked softly as she ventured in.

The truth was, she hadn’t spoken a lot to the male amongst the initial accusation of her sister’s death and part of her was surprised that he’d allowed her around after everything. But he had allowed her to stay and for that she was grateful. She’d been even more reluctant to admit that this place had felt a lot more like home than anything had in the last few years. “I catch you staring at me,” she let out without thinking twice, flicking her eyes to meet his. “Is it because I remind you of her?” It was evident; she was a replica, but she needed to hear him say it.

     At first, Kelly had been inside his head since the brunette stepped foot inside his club. Looking at her had been like looking at a ghost, one that haunted him when he closed his eyes and now? Now, she was there when they were opened as well. But as time went on and soon enough she stuck around, he started noticing little quirks, differences that he hadn’t seen in Erika. He found himself attracted and intrigued by the twin the stepped through his doors and he hadn’t been able to keep her dark hues off his mind. She was different, everything her dead sister wasn’t and he knew, had he met Erika first, Elena would have never been a thought.

     That’s why he’d kept his distance-- that and because he didn’t want to drag another Perez sister into the dangerous life that he lead, and the lives he ran of others. His boys, Elias, they all knew the truth. Gemma, his younger sister, had called it the moment she’d seen the other woman. She’d told Kelly to be careful, to guard himself, to not let get himself caught up. But he hadn’t listened and in turn he had, and he had noticed things he hadn’t noticed at first and it had caught him off guard, weakened his walls.

     Blue hues looked up from the work laid out on his desk to see the brunette walked into his office. Kelly gave a simple shake of his head, “Paperwork.” He somewhat admitted before piling the paper off to the side and giving the woman his full attention. He wasn’t expecting the words to leave Erika’s lips but Kelly knew, they were the elephant in the room stealing all the oxygen shared between the two.

     “No.” He answered, his eyes now off in the distance as he pondered the question further, “No, you remind me of everything she wasn’t.” The words seemed somewhat harsh, but they were the truth. Erika had proven how strong she was in the mere weeks she had been there digging for information, She had fit in with the club in ways that Elena hadn’t, she had made connections the other twin could never. She was almost the missing puzzle piece that was finally explained. “She hasn’t been on my fucking mind since you stepped inside these walls.”

Elias knew that the only reason the pair were standing up right rather than horizontal was because of the little bright blue eyed girl that was coo’ing and giggling at the pair. If not for her, Eli would have never let Gemma out of bed. At least for the next few weeks which is how long he believed it would take for them to get their full and make up for the many years apart. It was hard even looking at her sometimes. The smallest tasks such as wiping down the counter made him want to walk up against her, push her upon those wooden cabinets and take her right then. It consumed him every single moment while he was around the blonde. If anything, she was his drug of choice and he was fucking hooked. Large hands settled upon the woman’s thighs, a hand rising tentatively while the other toyed with the hem of his shirt. God, he was in trouble.

His laugh resonated when she mimicked him, squeezing a hand around her thigh. “Fuck off. I don’t sound like that.” He grinned then, playfully bitting at her shoulder. “I’m just not done have you both to myself and I might also be looking forward to us being close to a flat surface when she goes down for a nap.” He wiggled his brow then. At the sound of a walk, he was practically ready to shove them all out the door if it meant that their baby girl could get tired out and nap sooner. “Yup, Absolutely.” He said almost too quickly when she also spoke about a nap. He’d known where she was going and couldn’t voice his agreement loud enough. “I think that sounds like an even better idea. We’ll have her play and swing, then she’ll be down for a nap. Hopefully long enough that we can go for a few rounds.” She grinned then, reaching up to pull her lower lip free. “Don’t tease me with that lip. You’re driving me crazy.”

At the mention of practicing for another baby, the man raised his brow and searched her gaze. “You think that’s something you might want?” He could barely contain his excitement because he felt ready. All he’d ever wanted was a family and a life with her. Now that he was free, he’d felt that he’d waited long enough and he couldn’t help but want to get back to the life he’d dreamt of. “I think that we should get a baby sitter because I’m having a hard time not practicing right now.” He’d have to get her to himself for a good twenty-four hours before he could function properly and focus on his kid rathe than his hot baby mama. “Especially when you look like that; your hair all tussled, biting your fucking lower lip, in my shirt. Jesus, Mama. You wanna kill me?”

       Gemma allowed her lip to be pulled free only before she was quick enough to gently grab his thumb in between her teeth only to suck on it for a moment before letting go. Elias was the love of her life, had been when she was a mere teenager crushing after her older brothers best friend. She was crazy around him, insatiable. Having him back with her, having him home, only made her hormones rages more, the need for him surfacing sooner than later, when their daughter was fast asleep in her bed. “I’m already crazy for you,” The blonde whispered, green hues trained on the brunette, a look of lust and love evident in her eyes.

      “Yes,” She whispered quietly, answering both questions, giving a shy nod to her tussled head of hair. She was ready for another baby, and this time she wanted him there for the pregnancy. She wanted him to hold her at night when she couldn’t sleep, and caress her stomach when the little being inside of her was moving. She didn’t want to put her emotions on anyone else but him this time around. She wanted him there. Plus, as a little girl she loved having a sibling, loved having someone by her side and if they could give that to their baby girl, why not? She was ready, he was ready-- they were ready.

      Turning her attention to their daughter who seemed to be more curious in the plastic fork she was playing with, Gemma began to speak to grab her attention, “How about we call Uncle Kells and Erika? They’ll come get you for the day and take you to the park?” She spoke, her voice was high-pitched, as if to get their daughter excited. Then again, Charlie seemed to be excited by anything that had to do with family and playing.

      When Charlie seemed interested and excited enough, Gemma turned back to Elias, quickly leaning forward to press her lips against his own. She didn’t let herself linger long, knowing if she did, she would get lost in him all over again and she wouldn’t do that with their daughter sitting right beside them. Pulling back, green hues found blue ones with a smile, “I’m gonna go call my brother and get her ready.”

Blair let out a small chuckle as Parker made a face. She pressed her lips together, furrowing her eyebrows. “That bad, huh?” She shook her head, trying not to look like a fool crushing on her best friend’s big brother again. “If we had more than a week’s time, we could go for good bagels instead of… burnt up ones.” Her voice was light and playful, even if the words she’d spoken made her realize just how little time she had to catch up with Parker —- it was all wishful thinking. “Are you always this cocky? Because I’m telling you now, you’re going to lose and it’s going to be awesome,” Blair teased. 

It was effortless. Easy. Part of her was sad that Abby had ditched her so quickly, while the other part of her was glad she was spending time with Parker. Blair shouldn’t be thinking like that; she should be keeping herself away from anyone that made her feel… something. Because last time, it didn’t end well. For anyone. And yet, there she was, feeling carefree and actually looking forward to spending the afternoon decorating a garden.

“Okay, I’m going to ask the front desk so we can get this party started,” she spoke before she walked up to the lady in front and asked her about everything she had to ask about. Taking longer than a couple of seconds — it didn’t hurt to be polite to the people that could end up helping them, after all — she then went back to Parker with a victorious look on her face. “Second door to the right. Pretty garden, filled with boxes. That’s what the lady said and I’m guessing those boxes are for us. You coming?”

       Parker only chuckled at her words with a shake of his head. He wasn’t thinking about the weeks end and he preferred not to, not now that he had her with him alone and they were... meshing. He hadn’t felt this relaxed in what felt like forever and the feeling was so freeing, he wasn’t quite ready to give that up. He knew when he did, he’d have to thank her for giving that to him. Him going back, Parker wanted to push the thought as far back as he could before the reality would come rushing back forward and hit him like a truck. This moment, this time with him home, it was supposed to be special and exciting-- for his sister. But Parker knew he’d challenge himself to make it amazing for the brunette he now found himself walking beside.

       As they made way towards the box-filled garden, Parker’s blue hues lingered to the woman beside him before he commented, “I’m not too sure I’m excited for this, but I’m glad I got paired with you rather than anyone else.” The words were unexpected, ones he wasn’t sure had ever left his lips before. The blonde was generally closed off when it came to emotions that were anything but humorous but something about this girl-- she brought the words out of him. It only been a couple of hours and yet it felt like a lifetime.

      “Think we’ll be able to handle this?”

Max. All she needed was to hear that name and things easily clicked into place. Maybe her daughter wouldn’t admit the words aloud, but Trisha certainly could feel the tension growing between them. She had hated it for so long, wished more than anything she could stop it, and thought it had been stopped when Max left. However, the kid came back and it seemed to start all over again. Except, somehow, it was a little worse this time than it had been before if it meant Sam could see it clearly and broke up with Tatum in front of the rest of the town.

“Are you sure he broke up with you? Maybe you two just need to talk it out,” she replied, her voice lower than usual to try keeping her daughter calm. Tatum was always the calm and sane one, but it didn’t seem like the time for that in this moment. A sigh passed her lips a second later while she inched a step forward, arms wrapped around Tatum to pull her daughter in for a tight hug. After a few seconds had passed, she pulled back to rest her hands on the young woman’s shoulders. “I think you know how you feel, Tatum. Ever since Max came back—” Lips were pressed together when Trisha knew she had said Max’s name with a little more venom behind it than she would have liked. “There’s been something there. You know it, I know it, and I think half the town knows it. Hell, at this point, I think the only person who doesn’t know it is the weird guy that lives on the edge of town and keeps to himself with his cats.” Tilting her head, Trisha shook her head gently. “Sam wouldn’t have broken up with you if there wasn’t something there that even he could see.”

       Tatum knew her mother was more than right, but she didn’t want to admit to it. She didn’t want to admit to the effect Max held over her. He was like a drug, itching beneath her skin, one she couldn’t quite get rid of. Tatum blamed it on the fact that they were similar in the sense that they understood one another, they stood each others passions, and likes, and dislikes. Yeah, he was different and tough and moody, while she was quiet and compassionate and sometimes shy. They were completely different, two sides to the same coin. While the younger woman knew her mother hated the fact that her daughter felt the way she did, Tatum adored the fact that Trisha was being so calm and sane in a moment like this-- when her daughter felt like she was completely losing her marbles all while feeling somewhat free.

       The hug seemed to wash a wave of calmness over the younger Gilmore before the older woman pulled back to have blue hues looking up at her. Tatum could only sigh with the others words, slowly nodding. She tried to think of reasoning behind it all, to try and understand her own feelings but she didn’t feel like she could. They were all over the place when it came to Max, but she was tired of denying it. With Sam breaking up with her, it opened her eyes to something.

      “You can’t really think there’s something there, can you? I mean, are you sure he’s not just taunting me?” Tatum didn’t know, but it was eating her up and she wanted answers more than anything. “What if he’s playing with my feelings and Sam just... didn’t see that?”

Blair hadn’t stopped smiling from the moment she and Parker had gotten paired up. If she didn’t know Abby better than that, she would’ve thought she paired Blair up with her brother so they could keep each other company (assuming Parker didn’t bring a date — which she hoped he hadn’t) — but with how busy Abby was with the wedding, Blair knew her friend hadn’t done it on purpose. 

“It’s all about the dough, Parker, it’s all about the dough. Toasted bagel and cream cheese is the perfect light lunch. Maybe we should go to a local bagel shop tomorrow. See who’s the victor,” Blair joked, shaking her head and clearly getting ahead of herself. The conversation was silly but she enjoyed it. She enjoyed being in Parker’s company and she couldn’t help but wonder how much time she had left until reality set in and she regretted it.

“Yeah, we probably should,” she began, looking at the entrance before she started walking towards it. “We got a list of rules and your sister will be checking up on us soon enough. Do you know where we’re supposed to go?”

       "The local bagel shop?” He questioned, blue hues trained on the brunette as the smirk continued to mask his features. Parker shook his head as he made a face, “Doesn’t even stand a chance against the deli. They have one good bagel and half the time, they burn it.” Parker wasn’t sure if that was true or not, he hadn’t been in there much, but he was willing to step foot into the place for the brunette standing next to him. Didn’t mean he couldn’t put up a fight about it. “I’m telling you right now, I will come out victorious and when I do, you’ll so owe me.”

       Parker wasn’t sure he’d felt this free in what felt like forever. With the career he’d chosen for himself and with his family so far from him all the time, he was perpetually in sadness or constant anxiety. The later due to the things he’d seen, the noises he’d heard, and the people he’d lost. But he wouldn’t voice such concerns, not around the woman he found himself enthralled with. She seemed light, happy-- the light he needed to combat his own darkness.

       Her words knocking him out of his thoughts, Parker shook his head before pointing towards the entrance and turning his attention to her once again, “I’d assume up there. If not, we’ll see if we can find someone to show us the way. I think Abby said something about the decorations already being here.”

Leila kept her eyes on Javier. Her brain told her to not let him get to her, but her breathing got caught in her throat, especially as he walked towards her, slow step after slow step. She felt like prey, watching as the male got closer and closer —- and Leila liked it. Who says nothing is going to happen? You? That husky voice of his felt like velvet in her ears. Leila wanted to give in, she wanted her hands on his abs and chest and his lips all over her skin. But she wouldn’t give in, not yet. “Yeah, me,” she matched his tone — low and only for his ears. “Why? Do you want to make me a liar, is that it?” 

She could feel her fingers itch for the warmth of his skin. Leila knew what was beneath that shirt of his and she just wanted to give in. But not yet. Not until she milked this game for as long as she could. Leila wasn’t going to make things easy for him. She bit her bottom lip before she hooked her two index fingers on the belt loops of each side of his jeans and pulled him towards her. “I don’t think you’d be able to handle a city girl.”

       Do you want to make me a liar. Yes, he did. Javier so desperately wanted to prove her right, he wanted to see her with her head tilted back, blue eyes closed, as she’s gasping out how right he is. The brunette stalked closer until he was mere inches before her, his hands reaching out to grasp at her hips, only to move them backwards towards the counter, only until her back was pressed against the hard surface.

       Javier’s dark hues gazed down into bright blue ones as her words rung through his ears. “I think I’m perfectly capable of handling you.” His words came out in a breath, low, barely above a whisper. The man wasn’t interested in anyone else, no other girl, not even another one from the city. He’d only had eyes for the woman now right before him ever since she so snarkily came into his life.

Truth be told, Max hadn’t been all that nice to Tatum’s boyfriend. Then again, he hadn’t been all that nice to anyone since arriving to town. Even his own uncle put up with Max’s crap and didn’t give up on him yet. The only person Max really had been somewhat decent to was the young woman seated beside him. Why? He was still trying to figure that out. There was something about her that seemed different. Sure, others around town had been as nice to him as she was, but Tatum was about the only one who didn’t seem like a brainwashed small townie.

Brows pulled together with eyes still on the contents of the basket. “Your mother? Well, I’m pretty sure I’ve heard Jake say she eats just about every meal at the diner, so I’m not so sure I’d trust her as far as I could throw her. Considering she would kick me into next Tuesday, I don’t think I would get the chance to throw her very far.” A hand dug into the basket to pull out the sandwich she spoke of, turning it over once to examine it before he glanced at Tatum. “There’s no way he would have eaten this.”

        Tatum’s mouth dropped at his words, especially anything involving her mother, her best friend. Of course, everything Max was saying was true, but Tatum liked to give her mother the benefit of the doubt, and heck, sometimes she would eat the food without saying how terrible it was. Sometimes, she would eat most of it without having to spit it out. But even with her mothers terrible cooking, she didn’t love her any less. But this boy, saying that? The brunette couldn’t stop the shake of her head.

       “Okay, you’re right... Nobody would eat this. Don’t tell her I said that.” A delicate finger came out to point at him before Tatum stood, her eyes moving towards the basket. With a deep sigh, she felt defeated. This whole basket thing seemed like an utter failure which only lead to the suggestion that now left her lips, “How about we get some pizza?” Pizza always seemed like a good option. Plus, maybe with pizza she could get some real answers out of him rather than segue into other topics.

Blair tried not to let his suggestion (which, for all she knew, came out without him actually meaning to see it through —- for all she knew, he didn’t know when he’d be home next, for all she knew, nothing could assure her they’d actually keep in touch) be the only reason she kept smiling, but she failed. “That sounds good. I’d love to show you the best places. And not the tourist-filled ones,” and she kept speaking through this smile that Parker managed to put on her lips. She felt giddy and she wasn’t sure she liked it all that much. Not when she knew she only had a week before she wished it all away. “Might make a bagel guy out of you yet.” There was a playful tone to her voice, winking playfully before she laughed. 

She kept reminding herself that she was there for Abby. The same Abby who had left her to go do things with her new best friend. At first, she resented the bride, thinking she’d merely dumped her on her brother because they were the only two without a pair. Now, she only wanted to thank Abby.

“Yeah, that… That doesn’t sound ideal. Not unless you’re Henry the eighth.”

                                                               ———————-

Blair stepped out of the car, closing the door behind her. “Okay, I’ll admit. Those sandwiches were better than I remembered them,” she told Parker, walking to meet him at the front of the car. “Would you hate me if I told you I’m still a bagel girl, through and through?”

       Parker chuckled as he came face to face with her, shaking his head a her words. “You know, I don’t believe you, but I’ll let you get away with it for today.” Bagels-- they had nothing on sandwiches and truthfully, he didn’t understand. His words had said it all, “Who wants a sandwich type thing with a hole in the middle? Everything would leak out of it.” The look of disgust that went along with it was almost hilarious before it was wiped off with a shake of his head.

       “You’ll have to prove me wrong, I won’t believe bagels are better until I taste the truth.” He couldn’t contain the humour in his voice as he spoke. He wasn’t anticipating an argument that had lasted that long but anything that could emit a laugh from her kept him going. His buddies would say this was the most he’d spoke in a while, when on the battlefield quiet until necessary.  

      “Should we head in there?” He questioned, blue hues turning towards the entrance. He wasn’t ready for the decorations and the rules that went along with them. Parker knew, his sister would find a way to be unpleased, but he’d do his best.