“Maybe her tablet will keep her busy.” Tom cracked a teasing grin, smoothing his hand over her thigh. He really did love having his niece around, as much as he loved Lizzie, but he knew he had more time with her as soon as Sam left. Tom was lucky if he got to see her more than once a year, and she only grew more and more each time. In times like these, he wished acting wasn’t such a demanding career. If he ever had kids of his own, he knew he would cut his schedule down by half. He wasn’t going to miss special occasions or months of experiencing them young just for a role. “She’s a good girl.” Tom’s fingers traced circles along Lizzie’s side, enjoying the quiet moment. His brow quirked, lips parting as if she offended him. “Are you suggesting that I can’t handle my niece?”

Soon before long, Sam ran back into the kitchen, Emma rolling her suitcase beside her. Sam begged Lizzie to watch Disney movies with her in the living room to prep for Disney, before Tom suggested everyone move into the living room to the comfort of his couches until Emma had to be off anyway. Tom asked Lizzie to stay back with Sam and finish the movie they picked, saying the airport was boring and he would be back in less than an hour anyway, knowing full well he would be submerged in tears on the drive home and did not want either of them seeing that. Not that he was ashamed of being a human being with feelings but because he knew everyone openly worried about the toll being practically cut off from family took on him. He made sure he was never fully alone, trying to meet with friends a few times a week but having a relationship with Lizzie, who was just as in love with him, made a world’s difference.

As soon as he returned home, he kissed Lizzie and scooped his niece up to sit next to Lizzie, play-forcing Sam into a cradle, kissing her cheek and calling her his little baby niece. His fingers tickled her stomach and sides until she was scream-laughing in tears. Tom covered her mouth as his eardrums began to pop, still laughing as he called her a big mouth and moved the tickles down to her bare feet, earning hard kicks in his direction. He shifted his body to shield Lizzie after his hand was too slow to catch Sam’s foot kicking into Lizzie’s leg. “Don’t kick Lizzie or she’s going to get you back.” He finally relented, only when Sam fell with a thud to the floor from thrashing about, called him Uncle Monster and said she had to use the bathroom. Tom shifted himself back to rest his head on Lizzie’s lap, his emotions making him exhausted, fingers tangling into the fabric of her shirt. “I think I’m going to need you more when she leaves than I will when she’s here.” He turned his head to kiss her stomach, reaching for one of her hands to hold. “I don’t know how to tell you how much you mean to me and how much I need you, Elizabeth, but I really felt it driving back.” He pressed gentle kisses along her knuckles, sighing deeply.

“Oh shut up.” Lizzie teased. It would be nice to have Sam around. She could have Tom all to herself later. It’d been a long while since she’d had kids around and it was nice to see Tom interacting with his niece. She knew he missed his family, she really had no idea how he managed the distance from them. She wasn’t so sure she’d be able to be so far away from her family. Sure, her sisters were in New York and she facetimed them all the time, but it was never really the same as having them close and seeing them whenever she wants. “No, not at all. Of course you can handle her. She adores you. But you know, if you need help I’m here.” She shrugged, a smile on her face.

Tom and Emma exchanged looks, the wheels in their heads turning as they thought nervously about it. Emma said everything Tom was thinking. He would step into a bigger parental role while Emma was gone, but with Emma here, it was her say and wasn’t quite his place. “It’s not you I don’t trust, I just don’t want her to take advantage. She thinks she’s older and wiser than she is. Typical pre-teen.” Emma rolled her eyes playfully. “Not that my say really matters with Emma here but I’m okay with it, I just want to make sure that you’re comfortable making sure that there is an adult and child boundary set between you two.” Tom spoke, staring down at Sam’s expression, keeping a grip as she shifted her body around to rest her head and back against him. He could feel Sam tensing before she finally slid from Tom’s lap and came over to hug Lizzie, defending herself and their skeptics of her behavior, telling them she already saw Lizzie as an auntie and would be just as respectful of her as she is with Tom.

“Lizzie is part of our family and is essentially your auntie for as long as she’s with your uncle. We just want to make sure you know she deserves as much as respect out of you. She’s making a very kind offer and won’t do it again if you aren’t on your best behavior.” Emma said as Sam grinned excitedly at Lizzie, Emma checking her watch and standing to make sure she had everything together for her flight. Sam let go to run after her mother, Tom sighing and running a hand through his hair. “Well, my lap is open and we have a little you-know-what-blocker the next week and a half, so we better enjoy whatever time we have alone.” To think he wanted kids. Tom moved his foot under the chair Lizzie was in with a smirk, sliding it against his before finagling his arms around and under her to pull her over him. He pulled her lips in for a kiss, feeling his muscles relax. “You are so sweet, you know it.” He nuzzled his nose into the side of her face, hoping he had at least five minutes of just her.

It was reassuring hearing that Emma was comfortable enough with Lizzie taking Sam around. Somehow, it made it all the more real that one day this could be her family too. When Sam came around to hug her, she hugged her back, a smile on her face. Reassuring Sam that she knew she wouldn’t do anything to get either of them in trouble. Nodding her head along as Emma spoke. Though she doubted there’d ever come a time when she’d deny the girl a trip to Disney, but still, playing along for now seemed to help their case.

“You remember Michelle off of Full House?” Tom asked Sam. “Twins played her because of how young she was and they happen to be Lizzie’s sisters.” Sam’s face lit up, her mouth hung open in shock as she looked at Lizzie. It was amazing at how timeless the show truly was. As much as Lizzie resembled the twins, no one ever seemed to make the connection, not even Tom. Lizzie was her own incredible person and didn’t need to stand behind the twins for her success. He never felt a reason to bring them up when it did cross his mind. “Have you met them, Uncle Tom?” She asked. “I haven’t met any of Lizzie’s family yet.” The question of why not made him grin. “She’s embarrassed of me.” He teased. “She’s not the only one.” Emma joked.

“That’s what you think. I can’t ever get enough of you.” Tom murmured in Lizzie’s ear, pressing a kiss to the side of her head. His hand slid over Lizzie’s hand on his leg, sliding his fingers between hers. His mind wouldn’t stop running, zoning out of Emma and Lizzie’s friendly conversation. He loved his family but really wished he could be as affectionate towards Lizzie as he wanted to right now. The timing of last night wasn’t what he would have went for given all he wanted to do was keep her to himself and say it until she got sick of hearing it. Then again, when do the first I love you’s ever take place over the best timing? At least she loved him and was on the same page in the relationship.

“You guys went to Disney?” The whining of his niece and feeling of her pushing her hands up his thighs to slide onto his lap took Tom out of his thoughts, immediately pulling her up. “Uncle Tooooom?” Tom adjusted his hands around her upper body as she wrapped her small arms around his shoulders. “Yes, Sam?” He responded, knowing exactly what was coming. “How much do you love me?” She asked, giving the puppy face. Tom pretended to think hard about this question. “A reasonable amount.” Her pout deepened, eyes growing wetter. “I love you more than anything. You are my only little niece, the closest thing to a daughter, the most precious star in my universe. Is that what you wanted to hear?” She nodded, still pouting. “When are you taking me to Disney?”

Tom sighed, exasperated, “After I take you to acting school, sign you to my agent and get you some auditions.” He looked up at Lizzie, squeezing her face and turning her head towards Lizzie, shaking her head. “Do you see this little expression?” Sam tugged his wrist down. “Seriously, Uncle Tom, I want to go there. I won’t ask you for another thing for the rest of my life!” Emma scoffed from across the table. “Well, I have to see where I’m at with Loki planning, I can’t promise you a thing, though and we can’t go to Florida. California would have to do but I’m really not sure about making it this time, Sammy.” She mumbled something under her breath. “What?” More mumbling. Tom’s brows furrowed. “Samantha, you need to speak up and use your big girl voice.” Her hair hung in her face. “Do you think Lizzie would take me?” She asked, still half mumbled. “Sam, what we’re not going to do is guilt trip Lizzie into doing something as drastic as that.” Tom said firmly. “You know better than that.” Emma added in.

It was always fun to see people’s reactions to her being related to Mary Kate and Ashley. Not that it was something she was trying to hide, even if as a child she had considered dropping her last name in the entertainment industry. She wasn’t ashamed of her sisters and that pride was what ultimately led her to keeping her last name. It was just always fun when people put two and two together. When Sam looked over her way in shock, she just smiled and nodded her head. “I am not.” She rolled her eyes, the smile still on her face. “They’re always so busy out in New York, Tom probably won’t meet them until the holiday’s. He’s more than welcome to meet the rest of the Olsen clan whenever he wants.” Meeting family had  never been a big deal to her. Sure, it was a big step, but she loved Tom and her family was going to love him too.

Wow Lizzie, I bet you and Scott have meetings or something. Like Ross and that one guy with the I hate Rachel Green club. I know, it’s crazy. I didn’t know if anyone would hire me after being Cap to be honest.

We do. We meet every Wednesday and come up with new ways to annoy you. So you’re welcome for that one. Yeah except it’s the I hate Chris Evans club, so you know, way more popular. I mean, you did kind of gamble there when you let him go, but I’m glad it’s working out for you.

Tom adjusted to rest on his forearms, hovering over Lizzie to look at her face better. His head hurt, half due to being rudely awoken in the midst of a deep sleep and the other half due to the level of drunk he got, glad he was smart enough to catch a ride, instead of drive. Tom still remembered absolutely everything about last night, as soon as they got home from the party. He knew Lizzie was just as drunk and hoped she was aware of what was said, too. Tom rolled his eyes, “I’m going to but she’s old enough to know better than barging in like that.” He pulled the sheets back further from her, moving a hand to her exposed neck. “I wasn’t trying to hide you completely, by the way. I’m not embarrassed of you, I just didn’t know if-“ His head began to pound as he thought of his choice of wording. He settled on shaking his head at himself, giving up. “you know what I mean.”

Tom rolled to his back, rubbing his hands down his face as he listened to Lizzie in the bathroom, reaching over and grabbing the medicine out of his nightstand drawer and the bottle of water he left on top. “I was hoping we’d spend the day in bed but I guess not.” He said, as he slid out of bed, grabbing some pills out of the bottle and the water bottle, holding them out to Lizzie in the doorway of the bathroom. “They’ll love you, so it won’t matter.” Any time he used the L word to Lizzie now, he knew it would leave a strange feeling on his tongue. By the time he finished getting ready, the medicine kicked in and left his headache minimal, the scent of something rich filled his nose. His feet moved to the door to sniff out this delicious scent before stopping and turning to return to Lizzie, pulling her into his arms. He thumbed at her chin and spoke soft, fighting the nervousness and urge to blush, regardless of how many times it was said last night. “I know we don’t have a lot of the time to talk about last night but I want you to know for certain that I remember it all and what I said was the truth, drunk or not. I do love you, more than I can put into words.” He searched her green eyes before pulling her lips between his, almost whining at the fact that he couldn’t keep them in his room forever.

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Lizzie’s stomach basically flipped at the use of the L word being used again. The previous night felt like a dream, one she remembered very vividly and was glad that he seemed to have remembered it too. “I love you too.” She grinned as she pulled away from him. She could’ve stayed in this moment forever, hiding away in his room, nursing hangovers in all the best ways. But alas, there was family to meet and Lizzie was always great with families. As they made their way to the kitchen, Lizzie’s stomach growled and she let out a small laugh. Guess she hadn’t really done much eating at the party the night before and the smells coming from the kitchen were most definitely not helping.

“I love it.” She grinned, her eyes moving from Tom to his sister, and finishing on Sam. Smiling at the girl as she spoke. “I’ll eat whatever at this point.” She laughed, sitting down in the open seat next to Sam. “Oh come on, now. She’ll have all the best foods while she’s here.” It was nice, seeing Tom in a family setting, teasing his niece. She’d known the girl for minutes and already wanted to be her favorite between the two. Taking a sip of her coffee, she made small talk with Sam, her eyes traveling over to Tom and Emma every so often. She couldn’t hear everything that was being said, just bits and pieces of it and it did look rather intense.  The conversation took a quick turn and she looked up at the mention of Loki.

But what if it was the most amazing idea you’ve ever heard? I could have a rare stroke of genius, it happens. Thank you, we couldn’t be happier. Wait list? What list? Do you have a hit list?

But it wasn’t. Don’t worry though, I’m sure someday that stroke of genius will happen and I’ll react in the way that you want me to - cheering you on, hyping you up, the whole nine yards. Maybe I do have a hit list. And since you’re a boyfriend stealer your top of the list. So enjoy that happiness while you can. 

More Scott than my Ma, you know better! He likes to scare the shit outta me still. No it wasn’t that one, a different one. Hey! I’m not ruining anyones childhood, that’s not cool. Nah I could never hate you, you’re one of my best friends, even though you love to annoy me.

Well, good. If she was super thrilled to have you home I’d have to call her up and remind her of how annoying you are so we could both cry together about you being there. Oh, look at you go, Evans. Having all the jobs now that you’re no longer our Captain. Good for you. You definitely will be ruining my childhood though, the second that movie comes out. Good. I could never hate you either.

Of course. I anticipate it’ll be a lot of fun. I think you’re legally obligated to be at least a little nervous the day of. You’ll just have to find something to keep your mind busy. It really is. I never expected how wonderful my time with Marvel would be way back in 2010. I imagine Evan’s also appreciative he has you. I still need to check out Mare of Easttown, which I should have plenty of time now to do.

If you aren’t nervous the day of are you even human? And if you are human and aren’t nervous, I need those secrets. I already know I’m going to be a complete mess that day. I’m sure Tom can keep me distracted the day of though. Right. I don’t think any of us really knew what we were getting into but I’m forever grateful. If he’s not appreciative I’ll fight him so he’ll have no choice. It’s such a great watch, please do check it out! 

Precisely, they won’t like having it thrown back at them, and we will use that to our tactical advantage. It’s an incredible honor! It’s good to keep a level-head about award ceremonies, because there are always other stellar nominees, but you should definitely feel proud of your work. If anything, your Marvel family will always know who the true winner is.

They really won’t and that’s all that matters. As long as we’re having fun and they realize the error of their ways, I’m good. Exactly! I just try not to think about it, I’m sure I’ll be a nervous wreck the day of, but for now I’m just going to enjoy being a nominee. And that’s why the Marvel fam is truly the best family to be a part of. It also helps having Evan nominated too. We’re both first timers and keeping each other as sane as possible.

It does! All I need is your support, I don’t need your approval for my ideas. I’ll keep you updated on how it goes. You can’t help true love Lizzie when the chemistry is just there. What me and Tom have is electric and like nothing I’ve felt before. Everyone does deserve happiness.

That works out pretty great then because that’s all you’re getting from me. I will never approve of your crazy ideas anyway. Well I’m so happy for you both, truly. I hope you have a great life together. Just know you’re forever on my list now. 

Tom laughed lightly at Lizzie’s exasperation, “Oh Thank God? Was it not obvious? All the lovesick speeches and breakdowns I’ve had involuntarily at the thought of losing you? You’d think I didn’t love you or those words would scare me off? You’d better not go anywhere for a very long time, now that it’s been said. You’re stuck with me for-” Tom teased as he moved his head down to meet her mouth, humming against her lips. Capturing her head in hand, Tom pulled closer and deepened it. His eyes squeezed shut as he held her as tight as he could manage, looking down at her before her eyes even opened, reality of it all seeming too good to be true. His alarm was about to wake him up from this beautifully deep slumber. “I will set the world on fire with you, nothing is ever too much. A trail of fire leading to the building and back.” He smiled lightly, reaching to hold her hands then began to pull her towards his room, a brow raising as he smirked. “Now, how about one of those water-saving showers?”

They didn’t attempt to sleep until three in the morning. Lizzie and Tom both kept the essentials and changes of clothes at each others houses in cases like this. Tom slept peacefully and deep, always keeping his arm thrown over Lizzie or cuddling closer to her. His eyes slammed open at the sound of his door opening and being thrown into the wall, the sound of his niece screaming in the doorway, “UNCLE TOM! ARE YOU UP YET? IT’S 11:30!” Tom never jolted awake so fast. His heart ran a million a minute, on the verge of a heart attack. His tired eyes searched the room until he found his niece taking a few steps in with Loki in her hands. His thoughts immediately fell to Lizzie, glancing over and yanking the covers over her until they all but covered her head. So much had happened last night, he completely forgot about his niece and sister staying over, he thought someone broke in his house. 

“Jesus Christ, Sam.” He panted, keeping his hand over his heart as he heaved, bringing himself to sit up and bury his head in hands. “I’ll be up in a minute, I promise, please go out and shut the door behind you, would you?” He glanced up, not hearing a word out of her, face completely innocent, Loki staring at him in alarm. “Is that your-“ Tom reached for a pillow and threw it at his niece, “Sam! Get out!” He watched her turn and run out in embarrassment, shutting the door behind her. “Fucking hell.” Tom fell back, needing to wake up properly and get his thoughts together. He realized how bad this must have looked to his sister, hoping she would take mercy on him and love Lizzie so much, it didn’t even matter. Tom rolled over to Lizzie with a huff and buried his face in her skin, pulling the covers over his head. He would ask if she were awake, but there was no way she wasn’t. “Are you okay, love? I’m so sorry, I forgot they were here.”

Lizzie had been much to drunk when they’d gotten back to take note of the extra stuff lying around the house the previous night. Items that had she been sober would’ve clued her in on Tom having house guests. The door slamming open though was probably the rudest wakeup call she’d ever received. Not that she minded of course. The fact that even despite their early morning bed time, it was still almost noon was reason enough to get up. Lizzie wasn’t much for sleeping in as it was. She laid there, pretty much frozen, the blankets over her head as Sam and Tom yelled at each other, stifling a laugh. It wasn’t funny, but yet, it was.

I think I’ve lived plenty enough with you dragging me all over Florida. Wouldn’t you say your jello-shot collection is complete? You are a princess, Lizzie. At this point you should know that there are far more ways to embarrass me in public than just from taking shots home for later. Even if I escorted you around on my arm with chocolate cake all over your face, I would still want to brag about my dime of a girlfriend to everyone. That’s how smitten I am.

Oh come on. You had a great time in Florida and you know it. It’s not complete yet, no. I need more. I am, huh? A witchy-princess maybe. I don’t think I’m on the Disney level yet. I suppose you’re right. Though, I do want to try out this chocolate cake theory at some point just to see what you’ll do because I promise you it will be embarrassing. 

Come on Lizzie, you know better than that! It’s good, I get to spend some more time at home thank goodness since I finished a project. Yes, how could I not miss being annoyed at all hours by you Liz?

I bet your mom loves having to see you all the time, huh? I know I wouldn’t if I were her, but that’s why I’m not your mom I guess. What project did you just finish? Was it that Buzz movie? Can’t believe you’re ruining my childhood by playing him, thanks for that. Hey, you never know. Could’ve changed when you turned forty and decided you’d had enough.

Tom rolled his eyes, pressing his finger to her lips and shushing her, his hushing becoming harder as she continued to speak. “Don’t give me that polite speech geared for the public. Yes, the other nominees are talented and deserve the acknowledgment, but you…” Tom shook his head. “I am saying every word of this as a fellow actor. Not your boyfriend.” He exhaled through his nose as she came to hold him, having his lips detach from hers slower. “My Lizzie, I am so blown away at your talent. I have always been.” Before I was even in love with you, he thought right as the word fell from her lips, as he continued to hold her loosely. 

Tom looked at her beautiful, wide-eyed face carefully, “You love me?” His voice cracked just slightly. The rising heat on his cheeks caused him to tug her close, his heart fluttering rapidly. A hand reached to hold her cheek as his head pressed to her forehead, trying to settle his nerves, not even realizing his hands were shaking around her. Tom pulled her into a proper hug and pressed his cheek to the side of her head, both sets of fingers splaying tight along her back to stop the shaking. He hadn’t expected her to say it first at all, with the way he always wore his heart on his sleeve. A grin cracked across his face as he stared at the clock on the wall, nearing one in the morning. He pulled back as his hands slid around to cup her face. “I love you, Elizabeth, even more.” He smiled sweetly. “By the way, I would go after the committee if you weren’t nominated, either way.”

Lizzie couldn’t help but smile as he spoke. She’d been serious about what she said, even if it had been the typical nice speech. She’d never really been much of an awards person and if she was honest, it was kind of overwhelming how much recognition she’d received so far this year for Wandavision. “Well thank you.” She giggled, her eyes locking with his. It was hard to believe she’d ever gotten so lucky to find someone who cared about her as much as he did for her. Or that she’d even gotten so lucky to ever feel this way about another person. “But I am serious too, It really is just enough for me to be nominated.” 

Exactly! Either they take it well…or we team up against them and consider it psychological warfare. I’m not above fighting a little dirty. By the way, congrats on your Emmy nomination! I haven’t had the opportunity to properly congratulate you. How’re you feeling about it?

I’m all for any kind of warfare, let’s be honest. As much as they enjoy the idea of running off together something tells me they’ll be very distraught if we turn the tables on them. Either way, it’s going to be fun for us this weekend. Thank you! I’m honestly so overwhelmed by my emotions about it. There’s a part of me that’s just happy to be nominated and a bigger part of me that really wants to win. The women I’m up against...I’m just trying not to get my hopes up.

Tom had been looking forward to tonight for a couple of weeks now, to celebrate Lizzie and all of her achievements, along with their friend Evan. He was the most proud boyfriend on earth and felt so lucky that Lizzie had chosen him to be her partner. He took massive pride in having her on his arm all night and spinning her around the dance floor, even when watching her bag more shots, not finding it at all embarrassing because he was so smitten by her. A still half-drunk Tom closed the door a bit louder than he should have, completely forgetting his sister and niece were staying with him. He smiled fondly at Lizzie immediately making herself at home. He could get used to that.

“I’m still drunk, beb.” Tom responded to Lizzie’s question, tilting his head as he leaned over his kitchen island, smiling at her. He watched her move closer, keeping his chin in hand. Tom’s glossy baby blues continued following her until she came close enough, standing straight and pulling her against him. “Not that we were ever good at that.” His hand came up to thumb her chin, searching her face. Their relationship still felt too good to be true, Lizzie was everything he’d ever wanted. All the steps and heartache and failed relationships it took to get to this moment with her were beyond worth it. “Lizzie,“ Tom started. “I’m really glad you took the chance on me. I am so lucky have you for a partner. You are brilliant and beautiful and talented and perfect, I can’t believe you’re mine. I fucking adore you. You are going to win this and if not, I’ll find the company that makes the awards themselves and get you an Emmy for being God’s gift to humanity.” The drunk was still obviously there as he quoted tooth-rottingly-romantic Shakespeare, but he was still sober enough for them to know he meant every word, borderline dramatic or not. Elizabeth Olsen really was perfect to him.

Drunk Tom was definitely funny to Lizzie, in an adorable way. She’d hardly ever seen him anymore than slightly buzzed and considering how intoxicated she currently was? It was pretty funny to her. She shook her head with a slight giggle. “Lightweight.” He was right, they’d never really been good about hiding their affections. She was surprised by how long it had actually taken them to find out, only to be exposed day one on their little Disney Trip. The events of that day still made her laugh when she thought back on it. Buzzed Lizzie could most definitely not keep her hands to herself.