⋆˚࿔ᝰ.ᐟ

The courthouse steps were chaotic. Cameras clicked at a blinding rate, questions asked from every angle and Alisa’s only focus was to get Avery back to the car without snapping at any of the shitty paparazzi. She keeps her sunglasses on, her hand firmly holding Avery’s.

They were almost in the car when the crowd broke. A man surged forward, fast. His expression twisted with anger and rage. The hit wasn’t aimed at her, not at first. But when Alisa put her body between Avery’s and him she took the hit in her neck, near her shoulder and he slammed his shoulder hard enough to cause her to turn sideways. Oren was there in a flash, pushing the man away and ordering his men to handle him. Pain burst through Alisa’s shoulder but she kept her face neutral and didn’t slow down. She squeezed Avery’s hand tighter when she looked at her with wide, worried eyes. “In the car.”

When they get in the car Avery immediately asks, “Are you okay?”

“Yes, don’t worry.”

“But-.”

“There’s no buts,” Alisa cuts in. “Protecting you is my job and I wasn’t hurt.”

Avery didn’t let it go until Alisa promised she’d tell her if she was in too much pain.

When she parks into her apartment building she finds Knox already there leaning against his car, his phone in his hand. Alisa immediately remembers that they agreed to go to dinner so she gets out of her car and goes to him.

“You’re late.” He said scanning her face immediately noticing something was wrong.

“Sorry. Something came up with Avery. You ready to go?”

“You tell me.”

She nods and says, “Yeah, let’s go.”

The restaurant was lit with a low light, the soft hum of conversation and the occasional clink of glass. Knox leaned back in his chair, eyes on Alisa as she pushed food around her plate, her movements stiff.

“You’ve been quiet.” He says finally.

“Long week.” she replied, eyes on her plate.

He didn’t believe her but he didn’t press the matter either. Just nodded, letting the silence settle between them.

When the check came, Knox slid his card across before she could argue. Outside the night air was chilly and she tugged her jacket tighter around herself. He opened the car door for her without a word, and she slipped inside.

The drive back to his apartment passed in silence; not awkward, just comfortable silence.

She leaned her head against the glass, city lights reflecting on her face, while he kept his hand loose on the wheel, stealing a glance towards her every once in a while.

Back at his apartment he opened the door and let her in first. “You have work tomorrow?” She asked, walking inside.

“Uh-huh.” He followed her inside, narrowing his eyes at the stiffness of her movements. “What’s wrong with you?”

“Nothing.” She set her bag down, avoiding his gaze.

“Try again.” He said moving to block her path.

She sighed and pushed past him towards the kitchen. “It’s nothing you need to concern yourself with.”

She fills a cup with water and turns to find him in front of her.

“See, you say that, but you’re moving like you’ve been hit by a bus.”

She contemplates telling him what happens but settles on, “It wasn’t a bus.”

His relaxed face immediately hardens. “What happened?” He asked, his voice low.

Alisa tightened her grip on the glass, “It’s not what you think.”

“Then tell me.”

She exhaled, her eyes flicking away. “It happened after court. Someone tried to get to Avery so I stepped in. It’s not as bad as it sounds. It doesn’t hurt that much.”

Knox stared at her like he was trying to decide if he heard her right. His jaw tightened and he took a step closer. He took a deep breath to calm himself down.

“Not as bad as it sounds?” He asked. “Alisa, someone put their hands on you.”

“Well technically not on me,” She said putting the glass on the counter, “but I handled it.”

“That’s not the point.” He stepped closer, crowding her space.

She looked away again. “It’s nothing.” She insisted.

“Nothing?” His voice was sharp carrying that edge that made her freeze. “What if that prick had a knife??”

“But he didn’t.” She said refusing to back down. “And the security team was there in an instant nothing would’ve happened.”

“Show me.”

Their eyes clashed in silent battle. Eventually Alisa reluctantly shrugged off her jacket revealing a dark bruise on both her shoulder and her arm.

“That looks like it hurts.”

She waved a hand dismissively. “It’s not that bad. Really. I’m fine”

“You could’ve been seriously hurt.“

“But I wasn’t, Knox. I’m not.” She shrugged, “You’re overreacting.”

He ran a hand over his face. “I know you handled it but you still should’ve told me.”

“It’s a bruise not a catastrophe. Let’s move on and not make this a bigger deal. I’m already tired as is.”

Knox’s eyes focused on her shoulder wondering if he should make a big deal out of this like he so badly wanted to or if he should listen to her and let it go. He decided on the latter, his eyes softened and he looked her in the eyes.

She reached up, brushing her fingers against his cheeks. “I’m fine. I promise.” she murmured her voice calm but teasing. She leaned closer letting her lips meet his in a soft, quick kiss.

Knox pulled back just enough to search her face. “You’ll tell me next time, yeah?”

Alisa rolls her eyes despite feeling herself smile, “Whatever helps you sleep at night.”

“You’re impossible.” He said taking a step back.

She turns around to take her glass of water off the counter—so he doesn’t see how much she’s smiling—and makes her way to the living room. She sinks into the couch, and reaches for the remote.

Knox followed, hovering in the doorway before grabbing a blanket.Alisa looked at him blankly, “I didn’t say I need that.”

“Didn’t ask.” He says flatly, draping it over her anyway.

She gave him a look. Sharp enough to cut, but he wasn’t affected, he merely blinked.

“You can’t help yourself, can you?” She says adjusting the blanket on her shoulders.

“Nope.” He said simply. “Get used to it.”

Alisa shook her head, her lips twitching as she turned back towards the tv. Knox didn’t push further, just sat down next to her, stretching out and crowding her space. She huffed and sent him a glare that he countered with a smirk of his own.

“You’re hovering.” Alisa muttered, flipping through channels.

“If I was overreacting you’d know it.”

She sighed and shook her head, ”It’s a bruise. Not the end of the world.”

His gaze flicked to her shoulder again then back to her face. “It’s not easy to ignore.”

Alisa finally gives in and she shifts so she can rest her head on his shoulder.

Knox knew Alisa can protect herself, that she can handle her own problems. But she didn’t want her to feel like she had to solve everything on her own.

He drops a soft kiss to her hair and puts his arm around her.

They were in Grayson’s apartment late at night, Lyra was sitting on a barstool, one of her legs up against her chest, stealing grapes from a bowl Grayson just washed and was leaving out to dry.

Grayson was sitting at the kitchen island, his sleeves rolled up and top buttons from his shirt unbuttoned, he was reading a book.

Lyra looks at him and narrows her eyes, trying to figure out how to tell him what she’s thinking.

“So,” She starts.

He flips a page in his book and doesn’t look up, “Mm?”

She pops another grape into her mouth.“I was thinking about the drawing Jack drew of Rose.”

“We are not going to watch Titanic again.” He says, narrowing his eyes at her for a moment before returning back to looking at his book.

Lyra huffs and rolls her eyes, “I wasn't even going to say that.”

She leans over and snatches the book from his hand, “Focus! This is important.”

He finally looks at her and sighs, “Just say what you’re thinking, sweetheart. I can’t read minds.”

She smiles, “Hypothetically,” she says tentatively.

“Lyra.”

“Hear me out! You like drawing.”

He nods reluctantly, “I do.”

“You drew me once.”

“I did. And I do not like where this conversation is going.”

“You could draw me. Again.”

He looks at her and arches an eyebrow, “Just draw you?”

“Well, like Jack did Rose?” She throws the words out fast and hopes for the best.

Grayson pauses and then blinks, “Lyra.”

“What?”

“You’re not even trying to be subtle.”

She takes a step closer to him, “I know. But what harm could it do? It won’t be for anyone else obviously. Just thought it’d be fun and it’s just for us.” She says in that tone that she uses when she wants to convince anyone of anything. And Grayson,as usual, cannot say no.

“Plus, you’ve seen me naked countless times, so it won’t even be weird.”

He studies her face, searching for hesitation, “Why?”

She shrugs, “I trust you and you see things in a way that I don’t.”

“You’re serious.”

“Fortunately for you.”

He sighs and Lyra smiled,knowing he’ll do it. “Fine.”

Her grin splits her face into two.

“On one condition.”

Her smile drops and she narrows her eyes, “We will not watch Titanic again.”

“How is that fair?” She says with a gasp.

“Fine. For the next 2 months we won’t.”

After much further negotiations they settle on one month.

He shakes his head and smiles and Lyra smiles, giddy, as she presses a kiss to his cheek.

｡ ˚ ︶︶✩︶︶‌ ₊ ˚ ︶︶✩︶︶‌ ｡˚.

Lyra goes to the couch by the window and takes off Gray’s turtle neck she stole earlier. Setting it on a chair before she settles on the couch and lays down, waiting for Grayson to go get his sketchbook.

Grayson sits down in a chair in front of the couch and tries his best not to get distracted.

He looks at Lyra’s face, she looks relaxed and at ease.

“Tell me if you need me to move.”

“Will do.” He says as he starts drawing.

Lyra looks at him as he concentrates, moving his hands carefully and slowly, careful to capture every detail. His brows furrowed in concentration, a slight crease between them that Lyra sometimes smoothed out when he was worrying himself over nothing.

After a while, Lyra stops looking at him and looks at the window next to her, gazing into the night sky.

After a while she sighs and almost shifts.

“Don’t.” He says without looking up.

“I didn’t move.”

“Yet. You were about to.”

She rolls her eyes but stays still.

“Are you bored?” Grayson says when she sighs again.

“No I am not. Why are you so silent?”

“I’m trying to concentrate.”

She hums, “Do I look ok?”

“You look more than ok, my love. You always do. You look beautiful.”

He was done not long after that.

She takes a deep breath and stretches her body with a nervous smile, excited to see what he drew. She stands up and grabs the turtle neck from where she put it last and covers herself. Just because it’s starting to get chilly. Before she makes her way over to where he stands, she peeks at the paper, her face softening instantly.

“Oh,” she says quietly.

Grayson doesn’t look at the paper but instead looks at her face, gauging her reaction.

“Too much?”

She shakes her head, “No, it’s perfect, Gray.” She says feeling too much, Grayson, again captured her emotions and the fire in her eyes perfectly. He didn’t make her body out to be perfect, he simply drew what he saw, not changing anything and somehow made Lyra feel infinitely more beautiful and comfortable in her own skin.

She leans down to kiss him, familiar and easy, as her way of thanking him.

She bites his bottom lips and he leans back to glare at her, though there’s no frustration in his eyes.

She laughs and pulls his hand, “Come on.”

“Where?”

“You’ve been sitting like that for way too long, I don’t want to have to hear you complain about your back for the foreseeable future.”

He looks offended, “I rarely ever complain about my back.”

They settle on the couch, Lyra tucking her legs beneath her, while Grayson sits with one arm along the back of the couch, Lyra leans against him, and he puts his arm around her, kissing her neck.

After a moment she says, “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For seeing me. Truly seeing me.”

“I will always do, Lyra. Even when you don’t want to be because you deserve to be seen.” He says and kisses her hands.

“For the record,” Lyra says, breaking the silence, “I wouldn’t let you drown in a Jake and Rose Titanic scenario.”

“Is that so?” Grayson muses, “I’m flattered.”

After a while he narrows his eyes at her, “You know you shouldn’t let anyone else see that.”

She mock pouts, “Even Savannah?”

She says then laughs hysterically.

Grayson was not amused, even though Lyra and Savannah joke about ditching him and Rohan often enough that he knows she’s kidding.

After another fit of laughter at Gray’s expression she leans back against his chest and presses a kiss to his jaw.

K ok okay? 🥹

Therefore no one will know. Of course with the exception of the man standing next to her, who was far too perceptive for his own good. Something Savannah always hated, he had already noticed something was off although he couldn’t point to what exactly, and he was determined to find out. But if anyone had asked, Rohan included, Savannah would’ve said she was fine.

She was standing at the edge of the ballroom, her hand resting on Rohan’s arm, the other delicately holding a glass of champagne that she had no intention of drinking, but had accepted to not raise suspicions. Near the doors of the room cameras began to flash, probably indicating the arrival of someone important. Savannah glanced over there even though she couldn’t see a thing, it was probably Avery.

Beside her, “If someone else asks me what I do for a living, I'm going to tell them I'm a stay at home cat.”

Savannah scoffed and rolled her eyes, “Wouldn’t be too far off now, would it?”

He cast her a glance and then laughed when he saw she was being completely serious.

Savannah allowed herself to look at him, really look at him. He looked good, like always, that fact pissed her off more than it should. He looked relaxed, in his element, like this was just another Gala that Acacia had convinced them to attend.

Savannah wished the same can be applied for her.

She felt her stomach twist again, her head suddenly felt lightheaded, she gripped Rohan’s arm tighter to find her balance.

He flicks his eyes towards her, suddenly concerned, “You good?”

“Yes.” She says quickly. Too quickly. She was about to take a sip from her drink before she thought better of it and put it on a nearby table.

Rohan notices that too, of course, but decides not to mention it.

“That was convincing.” Rohan says, raising an eyebrow. Definitely not convinced.

“I’m just tired.”

“You’ve been tired since we got here.”

She glares at him, which causes him to smirk. “Well, I still am.”

Still smirking, although there was an undeniable hint of concern in his eyes, “You want to leave.” It wasn’t a question.

Savannah contemplates telling the truth for half a second. Before she decided on, “I can stay for a bit more. We just got here.”

Savannah’s gaze drifted across the room, landing on her brother and Lyra. Lyra was laughing at something Grayson said while he was looking at her like no one else exists.

Savannah shifts again and almost loses her balance. Again. Rohan slips a hand around her waist to steady her, suddenly alarmed.

“Alright,” he says, not joking around anymore, “What’s going on, savvy?”

She opens her mouth but doesn’t answer. What was she supposed to say?

That I can’t tell you the last time I had my period because I can’t remember. The thought of food makes me sick. I’m dizzy all the time, and part of me knows the reason, but I'd rather live in denial than face it?

Instead she takes a deep breath and settles on,“We should go outside. I need to get some air.”

｡ ˚ ︶︶✩︶︶‌ ₊ ˚ ︶︶✩︶︶‌ ｡˚

Outside on the balcony, the night air was cool. Savannah was thankful no one else was on the balcony with them. Savannah rested her forearms on the railing, taking a deep breath, the cold air blowing against her face.

“Better?” Rohan asks after a moment of silence.

“A little.”

“What’s going on with you?” He says, concern evident on his face, his usual carefree and emotionless expression no where to be seen. “You’ve been acting strange.”

“I just feel off.” Savannah said, deciding to give him a little of the truth.

“Off how?”

“I don’t know. Nauseous, fatigued, a bit dizzy. It’s probably just stress.”

He stays silent and assesses her face, “Do you want to go home?”

She nods, not offering any explanation.

Rohan takes her hand and leads her back inside, leading the way towards the glass doors.

Lyra notices them leaving and moves fast to catch up with them, “You guys leaving?”

Savannah nods, “I’m not feeling well.”

Gigi immediately abandons slate, "Do you need me to come with?”

Savannah rolls her eyes, “I’m fine, I just want to rest.”

After a bit of a hassle that involves Gigi and Lyra insisting she texts them when she’s home or they’ll show up uninvited, Savannah and Rohan finally leave the ballroom, moving towards the car.

Normally Savannah wouldn’t let Rohan drive because his driving was absolutely horrendous and Savannah was positive that Rohan did something —presumably illegal— to get his driving license. She was certain he wasn’t above manipulation. But today she was too exhausted, so she just threw him the keys.

Rohan couldn’t hide his shock and raised an eyebrow but didn’t question her. Although right about now he was sure something was very wrong with his wife.

The car ride was silent, more silent than usual. At a red stop Rohan glances over at Savannah, “You’ve barely uttered a word since we’ve left.”

“Energy conservation.”

“For what?”

“Dealing with your bullshit.”

｡ ˚ ︶︶✩︶︶‌ ₊ ˚ ︶︶✩︶︶‌ ｡˚.

At their apartment building, they walk towards the elevator, Savannah holds her purse out to Rohan, silently telling him to pull out the keys. He rummages around for it before his eyes stop to a white box, he pulls it out and stares at it for a while. ‘FAST AND EFFECTIVE PREGNANCY TEST’ written in a bright shade of red.

“Savvy?” Rohan says cautiously.

She looks at him then on what he’s holding and freezes. She couldn’t believe she forgot something like this. She had bought it on her way to the gala and kept forgot she had it in her purse.

“You’re pregnant?” Rohan’s voice is calm, unreadable. Savannah did not expect excitement by any means, but at least some type of reaction.

“I don’t know,” Savannah says as the elevator opens she practically springs out of it, so he won’t be able to see her expression, she steps outside heading towards their apartment, “That’s what the test will tell me.”

“You think you might be pregnant?” Rohan says, finally beginning to move, he once again rummages through her purse and finds the keys, he opens the door and allows her to step inside before shutting the door behind them.

“Well I’m not taking it for fun,” Savannah snaps, Rohan’s fingers tightens around the keys he’s holding, she softens her tone, trying to be rational. It’s a new territory for both of us, take it easy. She tells herself. “I’m pretty sure I am. My period is late and I've been feeling dizzy. Simple things leave me exhausted. So yeah, I think I might be pregnant.” She reluctantly says, her voice suddenly soft.

He raises his eyebrows and takes a deep breath, “Wow.”

After a full minute of utter silence, Savannah shakes her head and starts heading towards their bedroom. She makes it a couple steps before he calls her name. She ignores him before a gentle hand on her arm stops her and slowly twists her around.

“Savannah.” He rarely ever calls her by her given name, it’s always Savvy or Love. She never hated her own name on someone else’s lips more than she does now.

“What?”

“You can’t tell me you might be pregnant and walk away.”

“It’s not like you bothered with saying anything worth mentioning.” She snaps.

He closes his eyes then opens them, probably aiming for patience. Savannah knows she’s being short with him but he doesn’t get to be the one panicking about this, his life will barely be affected while she’s pregnant. She’s the one that will have her body changed and her life turned upside down.

“I didn’t want to say the wrong thing. You can’t drop this one on me and leave. This is not how this works. It’s not how we work.”

“Then tell me how it does work,” she snaps, “What am I supposed to do? Should I have suddenly quit my job, waited around for you at home, hoping you might notice when I start showing?? Or should I have wrapped the test that I will pee on with a ribbon and gave it to you as a gift? Or should I have-.”

“Enough, I get your point,” He interrupts her.

She looks at him expectantly, her arms crossed.

“I want you to take this test, Savvy” He says calmly, deciding not to argue. “so we can at least know if you’re actually pregnant.”

Savannah contemplates arguing with him but instead takes the test out of his hands, “Fine.” She says as she spins and walks towards the bathroom, pausing when Rohan puts his hands on the door.

“Forget it, you’re not getting in with me.”

He grins, attempting to ease some of her stress, “Nothing I haven’t seen before, Savvy.”

She narrows her eyes, “I’m peeing alone.”

“How long does it take?”

“Do you have somewhere to be?”

He shrugs, “Just asking.”

She rips the box open, takes the test and throws the box on him, “Read the instructions.”

She shuts the door in his face, and sets the test down before she unzips her gown and steps out of it. She looks at the mirror. Uneasiness fills her as she stares at her reflection, she looks young and scared. A look she despises on her face, she’s stronger than this. She wished she could call her mother, or her twin sister, or even Lyra, but she knew they were all still at the gala and she couldn’t trust they wouldn't panic in front of everyone.

She glares at the test for a while—never despising an object more—before a knock on the door startles her, she doesn’t say anything as she squares her shoulder and grabs the tests.

“Savvy?”

She doesn’t answer him as she pees on the stick.

She begrudgingly admits to herself that it’s bothering her less and less that Rohan is here not that she’d ever tell him that.

She opens the door and hands Rohan the test while she washes her hand. “We probably should take another one later just to be sure.” She says while drying her hands, trying her best to stop them from shaking.

Savannah keeps her back to Rohan because she can feel that he is too quiet.

Rohan stared at the test in his hands, not moving or blinking. For the first time since she’s met him, he was lost for words.

“Savannah,” he says quietly, “two lines.”

Savannah closes her eyes for half a second before turning around to face him, she takes a step closer to look at the tests; just to confirm, positive.

She looks up to find him already looking at her face, probably trying to read her reaction or feelings so he can act accordingly.

His silence shockingly unsettles her, she folds her arm over her chest defensively. He notices and finally snaps out of it.

He blinks and steps closer to her, gently grabbing her chin so he can look in her eyes, “You want this?”

“A kid?” she clarifies.

He nods.

“I mean, I wouldn’t have gone out of my way for this but we’re too late for this conversation.”

“But now that it’s here? That you’re pregnant do-“

“Might be,” she interrupts, “Might be pregnant.We still have to take another test just to be sure and probably do some blood work, but now that this is happening I honestly don’t know.” She says, trying not to freak out.

He swallows, “You’d be a great mother, love. You know that, right? I have no doubt in my heart.”

She stares at him like he’s bluffing because deep down she does not believe him. Suddenly her chest tightens, coming to a realization, “Rohan,” she says urgently.

“What?”

“You can’t keep talking like this is a me thing.I mean yeah I’m doing all the work and heavy lifting but you better do your part. Don't remove yourself from the equation, British boy.”

“I wasn’t planning to,love. It’s just hard to process.”

“So, we’re having a baby.” He says after a while of them just standing there staring at each other.

VOILA 😻😻😻😻😻

The ending was a bit (a lot) lazy sorry gng ✌️✌️

Also special thanks to my twin @/tooprecious2gamble for listening to me bitch about writing this fic daily 🙏🙏

Gigi being Gigi, she looks at the animal with so much softness. She’s probably mentally picked out a name and debating whether fostering it with the amount of cats she already has, will be wise.

Acacia invited them all for dinner at the Graysons house. Inside Grayson and Mattias were alone; Lyra’s idea to get them to bond; even if it’s just for five minutes.

“Lyra, wait for me! I’ll go wash my hands.” Gigi says as the cat lays down. She straightens and walks towards the sliding door; closing it behind her.

The sound of something crashing makes her flinch.

Then voices are raised; loud and angry.

Gigi peers past the room’s doorway, where the sound is coming from.

“—you think this is a joke?!” Grayson yells.

Gigi goes off into a little sprint towards the kitchen.

“What’s going on?” Gigi asks.

“Juliet. Stay out of this.” Grayson says, barely sparing her a glance.

Mattias lets out a condescending laugh, “See, this is what I’m talking about. It’s like something in you needs to control everyone’s life.”

“I don’t trust you with her, Slater. I thought I made that perfectly clear.”

Gigi feels her stomach drop with disappointment. She talked to Grayson about this. Multiple times. He doesn’t get to decide what she does and he promised her he’d try to accept Mattias.

This sure does not look like trying.

“Say that again.” Mattias says, his jaw tightening in anger.

“You heard me.” Grayson said, arching a brow.

Mattias shoves him.

Grayson stumbles back and looks at Gigi for half a second, hesitating, before grabbing Mattias by the collar and punching him.

“Grayson!” Gigi yells.

Mattias throws his body on Grayson; both falling to the floor. A chair falls and a dish breaks.

Outside, Savannah and Lyra hear it.

They’re both on their feet the moment Gigi yells again.

Back in the kitchen;both of them were back on their feet, Mattias punches him; moments before Grayson pins him against the wall.

“You think I’ll just stand by while you ruin her life?! You don’t deserve her. You never did.”

Lyra grabs Grayson's arm. “Have you lost your mind? Let him go!”

Grayson looks at Lyra for a moment considering it. Before Gigi snaps.Her hands shaking.

“What is wrong with both of you?!” She yells, her voice breaking.

They immediately let go of each other.

She raises a shaking finger. “You do not get to fight about me or my life while I’m standing right here!”

The silence is heavy afterwards. Grayson takes a step back. Mattias takes a deep breath to calm down.

“Baby-“ he says, stepping towards Gigi.

She shakes her head and motions for him to stop. Her eyes wells up with tears and she sprints out of the room. Savannah throws both men a glare that promises a slow and painful death for making her twin cry. She looks at Lyra, silently telling her to stay with Grayson before she follows Gigi. Quietly slipping out of the kitchen.

Then acacia appears in the doorway. She takes in the scene. Lyra holding Grayson’s arm; afraid he’ll attack again. The fallen chair, broken glass, both the men’s busted lips and the tension radiating off them.

Her lips press into a thin line. She puts her keys on the counter, shifting the bags of groceries she’s holding. “Okay, so I'm going to put these away.” She said calmly, “Then we are going to have a little chat,” She said looking between Grayson and Mattias, her eyes lingering on Grayson just a bit longer,”Seeing as neither of you could act like adults for five seconds, I’m taking matters into my own hands.”

She walks past them all to the fridge and starts to calmly empty the bags she’s holding.

They all stay silent for a while, before Lyra grabs Grayson’s wrist, “Bathroom. Now.” She says, tone quiet.

“I’m fine,” Grayson mutters but let her pull him along anyway.

She closes the bathroom door behind them and turns on the light. Grayson squints a bit, his eyes adjusting to the change in brightness.

The harsh light makes the open cuts on his knuckles and his nose more prominent.

“Sit,” she says.

Grayson leans back against the counter instead, “Sweetheart-“

“Sit your ass down, Grayson.” She snaps.

So he does. Wordlessly, she reaches over and grabs the first aid kit—that she knew Acacia always keeps there—from the cabinet above her. She puts the hydrogen peroxide on a cotton and presses it to his split knuckles without warning.

He winces but doesn’t say anything.

“You’re lucky that this is all I’m doing to you.” She snaps at him. “You both could’ve seriously hurt each other."

“He shoved me first.” Grayson says with a scoff.

Lyra removes the cloth and stares at him deeply.

“Seriously? You’re excusing what happened?” She says and then continues working on his hand, “Don’t even try to defend yourself, Grayson.”

His jaw tightens, “Was I just supposed to stand there?”

“You knew what you were doing, Gray.” She says, frowning at him.

“What was I doing? You weren’t even there, Lyra.” He says, growing frustrated.

“Provoking him. Don’t deny it, I know what you do.”

Silence stretches between them as Lyra wraps his hands.

As Lyra moves onto his brows she says quietly, “You don’t get to decide who Gigi loves.”

“I was trying to protect her,” He says, “He’s not good for her.”

“Well maybe you don’t get to protect her if this is your definition.” She drops the cotton and grabs his chin to make him look at her, “When she repeatedly told you to stay out of her relationship, that she knows what she’s doing and that you’re not helping them, I’m sorry Grayson but you’re out of line here. This is not protection.”

He looks away.

“I can’t just watch her put herself in harm's way and not do anything to stop it.” He says, his eyes red.

“So you hurt her instead?” Lyra asks softly.

Grayson flinches, “I wasn’t-.”

Lyra interrupts him, “Yesterday she asked you not to do this. You did it anyway. You broke her trust and your promise.”

He stays silent. Already regretting the whole day.

“Acacia is going to make you talk it out with him. Probably apologize. You should, if not for the sake of owning up to your mistakes then for your sister.”

He nods just as Lyra steps away. “Come on, before Acacia drags you out there herself.”

Grayson stands, his shoulder tense. “Lyra.”

He stops her just before she opens the door.

“Thank you.” He says, not just for cleaning his injuries but for helping him see clearly and everything else.

She nods, smiling softly, “Just do not do it again. Or I will kill you myself.”

He smiles, bending down to give her a kiss.

They both leave the bathroom.

｡ ˚ ︶︶✩︶︶‌ ₊ ˚ ︶︶✩︶︶‌ ｡˚

They all pile on the couch. Gigi looked more relaxed, still not looking at Grayson. On one side of Gigi, sits Mattias and on the other side Savannah, Lyra and Grayson on the opposite couch.

Acacia is cleaning up the broken class, groceries already organized. She refused every offer any kf them made to clean up themselves.

No one speaks until she’s done.

When she finally turns around, she rests her hand on the counter. She looks at Grayson, silently assessing his injuries then does the same to Mattias.

“Alright,” She says calmly, “Explain.”

Grayson opens his mouth but she cuts him off. “Any of you seriously injured?” She asks suddenly.

They both shake their heads, not looking at each other.

“Good,” She says, “because if any of you got the other injured in my house this conversation would be completely different.”

When no one replies —the girls choosing to stay out of this— she sighs and motions between them, “This does not happen here, nor does it happen in front of my daughter. I don’t care who started it and I do not care what you’re about to explain yourself with. This incident will not be repeated itself, understood?”

When they both nod, she looks at Grayson. “You do not control your sister's life. Whether or not Mattias is good for her is irrelevant, it's not up to you to decide.”

He opens his mouth to speak but Acacia stops him with a look saying she’s not done. “And you,” she turns to Mattias, “We do not get physical in this house. Ever.”

He nods. “I’m aware.”

“Good,” she nods, “you’re both adults, about time you act like it.”

Her gaze flicks to Gigi, softening immediately, “You good?” She asks softly.

When she nods, Acacia straightens. ”Now make peace.”

｡ ˚ ︶︶✩︶︶‌ ₊ ˚ ︶︶✩︶︶‌ ｡˚

Later, after the conversation is over and Grayson apologized to both Gigi then; although reluctantly Mattias, Savannah stops him in the hallway. “Explain.” she says, glaring at him.

Grayson rubs the back of his neck, “Sav-.”

“No. You don’t get to explain your way out of this. You embarrassed Gigi, scared Lyra, and made one simple comment into a whole fight.”

“I had my reasons.”

She arches a brow at him, "Of course you did.”

She steps closer to him, “If your actions make Gigi feel like she has to choose between youand being with a guy she loves-.”

“It won’t.” Grayson interrupts; meaning it this time.

“You will not win,” she finishes, “then you won’t have anyone but yourself to blame.”

He nods, knowing arguing with her is pointless and that she’s right. She looks him over and walks away, her heels clicking on the floor.