a mess and still broken

One had to admit, however: the Biff of today was successful in making plenty of strides since then. Sleepless nights were far apart and few, and with the good nurse's persistence, he was eating well and consistently enough to fill out his suits nicely. Those, plus other positive choices, made him stronger, and thus less likely to cave into his people-pleasing ways.

"Thank you for your kind hospitality, but I'm going to refrain from any alcoholic beverages for tonight." Besides, with the way that the bottle of wine on the counter looked, just about halfway-enjoyed, he was certain that there was enough of that circulating around.

Nikki was quick to pipe in with, "Are you sure? There's a little something for everyone. Even top shelf stuff."

Shaking his head once more, he answered, "I'm certain, thank you. To be quite honest, I don't drink very often." That probably came as little surprise to everyone. Still, he smiled back without a hint of embarrassment.

"Juice," Nikki announced. "We've got juice and even bubbly water." She looked as though she believed that the latter was the wealthy's most-popular choice, because they could afford the extra oomph. She wasn't entirely wrong, but... Well, Biff wasn't exactly like a lot of them.

"Still water is perfectly fine, but thank you again. I'll peruse the selection?" And when they waved him away, he wasted no time excusing himself properly and making his way toward the more-than-just-modest bar situated at the corner of the living room. Once he was close enough, he dropped his volume to a level where only Penny could hear. "What's your drink of choice?" Accustomed to her expertise, he took the time to scan the rest of the space for little Jackie O.. Then, he turned back and leaned a smidgen closer. "How are you faring?"

Of course that wasn’t true. The three of them were very removed from the whole Owens clan. Penny had only been really in touch with Nikki in the last 12 months and even that was only consisting of the older Owens occasionally answering the phone when her sister called. It was her doing that she didn’t really know anything about her adoptive family, and yet it was surprisingly upsetting to be there and have to acknowledge that estrangement.  

Her hand rose to grab a glass from the shelf as she felt someone’s presence near her. She glanced over at the other, smiling gently when she realized it was Biff and let out a small snicker at the question. It was the same question she was asking herself. It would be so easy to pour some whiskey and continue the night with the assistance of the liquor, but something was telling her that she was stronger than she was before. She didn’t need the crutch of alcohol to help her- she had her chosen family with her. 

A sigh came from her lips before she opened the small fridge that was housed at the bar area and opened a sparkling water bottle, pouring the bubbling liquid into the glass she had plucked from the shelf.  

“I am... getting through.” She finally replied after returning the bottle to the fridge and taking a sip of the water. “This is a little more difficult than I realized it would be. Or at least... more upsetting and less angry.” She shrugged gently. An abundance of giggles came from behind the couch and the nurse realized that the three children were hiding behind it. “Well, one of us is having a very good time, thankfully.”  

But the reminder of McIntoshes being well-known? The implication that Penny and her family were 'riff raff?' No, that wouldn't do.

"On the contrary," Biff began, shaking his head and pressing his free hand against his abdomen, "I'm quite honored to be here tonight. My family isn't accustomed to celebrating anything together." Not birthdays, familial anniversaries, and not even Christmas. "—So it's, ahm—" he let out a gentle chuckle, "—this is very much new for me."

"We're happy to have you, Biff!" The same booming voice from earlier resounded, its source standing just at the edge of the entryway. "—Not just because I'm selling you on the better team!"

As far as teams went, however, Biff knew the exact one he was proudest to belong to. His hand slid up Penny's back, until he could give her far shoulder a squeeze. "My navigator's the finest I know, and I'm grateful for her, beyond all words." If there hadn't been a small crowd just now — including very curious, very ready-to-burst-in-awe eyes from Nikki — he would have leaned over and pressed a kiss on Penny's cheek. Instead, he turned toward the Owens matriarch. "Is there anything I may assist with?"

“Now, Joe, don’t get too involved! You’re going to have to get in here and work on your Surprise Casserole. That’s your area of expertise.” Francesca spoke a little louder so her husband would hear her.  

“Ugh... not the surprise casserole.” Nikki’s expression went from looking like she was ready to squeal at the displays of affection from the couple beside her to scrunched up in disgust. “We never know what he’s going to put in it and it... is literally terrifying. The first time he made it, there was spaghetti in it. Last year, it had lots of chicken and mushroom soup.”  

Penny- who had playfully rolled her eyes at Biff’s comment- now had her own features twisted. “And... Fra-Mom just lets him do that... every year?” She inquired in hushed tones back to her sister. “This really is bizarre...”  

Francesca shook her head in Biff’s direction. “Not at all, dear. You are our guest- you just enjoy this day. In fact, you need a drink.” She motioned to the pair of them. “You both do. What can I get you? We have a fully stocked bar in the sitting room, but we also have carbonated beverages in the fridge here and glasses in the shelf beside it. Make yourselves at home.”  

The comment was made so effortlessly that it stopped Penny in her tracks and rang through her ears repeatedly. “Make yourselves at home.” How ironic considering she had never actually been in this residence before. Clearing her throat, she finally spoke up.  

"You're just in time," Joe declared. "We were talking about the big game on Sunday. You watch football?"

Biff shook his head. "My apologies. I'm somewhat familiar, but I'm quite — as others would say — 'out of the loop.' I'm happy to listen in, however. Given that I'm fairly neutral, well," he took to his charm as easily as he did expensive suits, "perhaps I can be convinced to finally pick a team to support."

And just like that, it was as though he'd cemented his place among the men. He finished exchanging a greeting with a younger fellow named 'Jack,' when he caught wind of little Jackie O. sailing by.

"Please excuse me for a moment," Biff said, bowing to the group. He promised to return to the concept of selecting loyalty based on color later, for he had to finish introducing himself to everyone present. When he arrived at the kitchen, he found the other half of the party, including his other half.

However ... maybe just one pointed comment couldn’t hurt, right? 

The nurse, who had narrowed her eyes at Elena, opened her mouth to speak but paused as she heard the familiar tone of her plus one’s voice. She turned, catching sight of Biff and immediately felt herself calm down as his hand made contact with the small of her back. Whatever she had been planning to say to her former(?) stepmother went to the wayside as her brow furrowed at the man.  

“...football? You’re... huh. Okay.” Her lips curled into a smile at Biff, glancing at Francesca who waved her hand in the air.  

“Thank you, dear. It’s small, but it suits us better than anything like the Lincoln home did. Though that was all Grant’s choosing than anything else.” Elena scoffed, rolling her eyes as she took a big gulp of her wine. “That house was the worst! He refused to sell up and then he went and died so who had to deal with that mess?”  

“The lawyers, I’d assume...” Penny’s comment came flying out of her mouth before she even realized it happened, causing Nikki to snort. Elena looked very unamused by the comment and sneered in their direction before Francesca cleared her throat.  

“Well, enough talk of him now. Biff, right? The pie you brought is homemade, I assume. Apple as well... seeing as you are a McIntosh, correct? They are rather well known.”  

Ah! He kept a close eye on Jackie, ensuring that she wasn't knocked over by the energy. This must be the younger sister. And although he couldn't speak from direct, personal experience, there was satisfaction in having his reasoning be confirmed. The only surprise came from how, within five seconds, he turned from being a mere observer to a target for a hearty greeting. He let out a short laugh and reciprocated with ease. Nikki is the type of individual who makes you feel as though you've known one another for ages.

When the sisters took their leave — a generous way of describing how Nikki commandeered Penny with great ease — Biff simply placed a hand on Jackie's back and encouraged her to follow along with him.

It may have only been their first time here, but the floorplan was easy enough to navigate. It was, all things considered, a splendid home. Larger than their current accommodations back in Alaska, but smaller than some of the possibilities they discussed for the future. He knew more than most, however, that it was not a place's size that mattered as much as its energy. Right now? It was warm. Inviting... Even though he noticed a distinct lack of photos of Penny on the walls.

"Hey there!" a burly voice called out, the minute he stepped through the next doorway. This was an older gentleman, wearing simple garb and a bright smile. He wasn't the only one, however— a chorus of voices joined in, and it wasn't long before Biff was pulled into a series of introductions.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," he repeated, over and over, all while keeping an eye between Penny and Jackie. He wasn't too worried about the former, for her resilience had never known any bounds, but he was quite curious to see the youngest member of their household grow more comfortable, little by little. It helped that one of the twins stopped to give their squeaky 'hellos.'

If Penny didn't know any better, she would have assumed that she was having some sort of Twilight Zone-esque nightmare. This was bizarre. Her mother didn't cook, hated the kitchen, and hated Elena. The look of utter confusion must have been clear on her face, especially as Elena handed Francesca the other glass of wine and they clinked.

"Yeah... I've been finding that weird too..." Nikki muttered beside her, shrugging gently. "Mom! Look! Penny's here!"

The taller of the two ladies with their wine glasses gasped while the shorter gave a small smile. "Penelope... I'm so glad you came." Francesca, the shorter of the two, said. "I hear you're not here alone either."

Penny blinked. "No. I'm not. I have my partner, Biff, and our daughter, Jackie. I think Joe caught Biff in the living room." She glanced down to see Jackie suddenly at her legs, motioning for Penny to come down to her height so she could whisper. "Mama... I wanna play." The brunette looked next to her daughter to see two kids that looked... well, identical to each other, and maybe a year or two older than Jackie. "Are you Marlow and Blossom?" The pair nodded in unison. "Well, then, yes. Jackie, you can absolutely go play with your... cousins." She smiled at the three before they took off together.

Her lips curved into a tiny smile as she stood back up and faced the three women in the kitchen who were staring at her.

In proper encouragement, he gave Jackie another pat, gently coaxing her into a practiced albeit still-shy greeting. It was quite precious, really. On most days she had a fire like her mother, yet to see her grow into her own personality was a spectacle in and of itself.

If Biff became the focal point of curious eyes then, he didn’t notice; he was far too engrossed in the exchange before him— and then the sudden blur of the ‘distraction’ in question. He refocused on the little one. “Would you like to join them?” And after a small nod, “After we meet everyone.”

Toward Benji, Biff raised the pie in his other hand, as pristine as his own appearance and ready for enjoyment. “Where may I place this?” But before anything else, he set down the dessert on the nearest safe surface, then tugged on the back end of Penny’s coat. “Please allow me.” His sense of proper etiquette never failed.

Her brother disappear from the foyer of the home and Penny let out a breath that she had apparently been holding since the realization that Benji was... not as Benji as he once was. After Biff helped her with her coat, her hands reached down to cover Jackie's small ears.

"What the fuck? He has... He's a... Twins?????"

The young one squirmed away from the nurse's hands just before Nikki rounded the corner.

"PENNY!!!" Immediately, she was met by her sister's arms thrown around her.

"Oh-" The older brunette stumbled slightly, thrown off-guard. She paused for a second, unsure what to do, but knew the other would not let go of her until she hugged back. Her arms wrapped around her sister gently, patting her back. "Hey Nickel."

When Nikki finally pulled back, she tapped Penny's arm. "No more Nickel, please!" She pouted jokingly. "You must be Biff!" Her arms then threw themselves around the man at the nurse's side. "Welcome! And Jackie!" She dropped down to the little one's level and waved at her, smiling big. "I'm so happy to meet you. I'm Auntie Nikki!"

A small, shy smile came across Jackie's features and she unhooked one of her arms from around Biff's legs to wave.

With a long-perfected apple pie in one hand and a tiny tot gently clinging to his leg, Biff McIntosh was perfectly ready for his very first Thanksgiving with the wider Owens family. Possibly also the last, if he was to believe Penny’s words, but he was always the more optimistic of the two of them. Besides, the mere fact that they had made it this far — that she had accepted the invitation to begin with — must have meant well. He knew all too well that a ‘perfect family’ was a fantasy, but there was always something to be said about effort. Surely this was a good step forward.

“As a refresher,” he said, following Penny’s broad steps toward the front door, “the code word is ‘peaches.’” Even speaking it sent a shiver down his spine. Damn their fleshy rivals. “You only need to say it twice and I’ll be halfway out the door.”

It was an over-exaggeration, of course, for he had the exact kind of personality that made it nearly impossible to leave without a five-minute goodbye. Still, his reassurance and encouragement stood their ground. It stemmed in the gentle pats he gave Jackie, after adjusting his coat.

“And yourself, Miss Jackie? Are you prepared to meet your kin?” Clearly still in a sleepy daze, she burrowed further into the side of his leg. “I understand. That was quite the peaceful ride. I have no doubt, however, that you’ll find yourself plenty entertained. I have it on good word that your dearest aunt may not leave you alone all evening!”

The smile that was plastered on her face faltered somewhat as the door opened and they were greeted by her older brother, Benji. The pair had never exactly been close, and it didn't change much with Grant's passing, but they did share a mutual animosity for their deceased father figure. "Pen." He said with a small head nod. "I'm kinda shocked you came. I know this wasn't really something you vibed with."

"And you did?" Her eyes rolled. "I'm shocked they're letting you answer the door. What about the shame?"

A laugh came from Benji as he stepped aside to let the trio in. "Yeah, well, turns out Mom is way more chill about that than Grant was. ...Plus, I brought a distraction. Just like you did." He motioned at Jackie vaguely and the nurse paused as she entered the residence.

"You... brought a child? Is it yours?"

He scoffed as he shut the door behind them. "Yeah, they are mine.. You think I'd just rent a kid or two to keep people out of my hair?"

All Penny could do is shrug and nod. The Benji she remembered probably would do that... but there was something different about her brother. He seemed... happy in a genuine way and more put together.

"Well, I didn't. Naomi and I have twins - Marlow and Blossom."

"Oh wow, uh.. Congrats. That's crazy." She replied with a smile, hoping the utter confusion was not painted on her face. "Well, Biff- this is Biff- and I have Jackie- that's Jackie." Penny glanced at Biff, genuinely wondering if now was the time to say 'peaches.'