nevaeh had tried to medicate herself for her adhd, she gave it a shot for a month a while ago, but the pills made her feel too numb, like they were dulling everything that made her her. sure, they made her less hyperactive, but they also made her someone she didn’t recognize. she knew she could be a lot sometimes, too loud, forgetful, jumping from one thing to another, struggling to focus, but she was tired of feeling like she had to shrink herself just so people would like her. as her brother pointed out how people should chew before talking, she just smiled, cheeks full of pizza. she swallowed before replying. "you saw my vision," she laughed, "people would shit themselves if they went to see that movie," she added, already amused at the idea. "i think i just figured out my halloween campaign this year," she grinned, taking another bite. "embrace it," she rolled her eyes, "i wanted to grow taller, but i guess my body used all the energy on thinking instead," she joked. when royalty told her she didn’t have to tone herself down for people to like her, she sighed softly, it was easy to say, harder to actually believe. she craved connection, not just wanted it, needed it. she was tired of being the third wheel, sometimes the fourth when lennon joined, she wanted her own thing, someone to text late at night, someone to go on dates with. "yeah… that’s true," she nodded. as he gave her advice, she smiled. "thanks, royalty," she said softly, "i needed brotherly advice," she added, dropping the crust back into the box before leaning forward on her hands, satisfied. "invite him over?" she raised her eyebrows, "as in bring him over so i can threaten him?" she laughed. "i will when you bring your boyfriend," she teased, "they’ll get along, they’re both quiet," she pointed out. then her tone softened slightly, curiosity taking over. "have you ever thought about what you want your life to look like with your boyfriend? like, in the future? do you see yourself getting married, him moving here… kids?" she asked, not prying, just following her train of thought.

Royalty huffed out a quiet laugh, shaking his head at her with clear amusement as she went on about her vision. He leaned back slightly, watching her with that familiar mix of fondness and disbelief, like he’d seen this exact brand of chaos his whole life and still wasn’t tired of it. “You’re actually insane,” he said, pointing at her with a half-smirk. “But I’m not even gonna lie, people would pay to see that. You’d have a whole cinema traumatised by the end of it.” At her comment about her height, he snorted, shaking his head again. “Yeah, all your stats went into hyperness, alertness and chaos. None left for height,” he teased, nudging her foot lightly with his own. But when she softened, thanking him, he noticed straight away. His expression eased, something more genuine settling in as he looked at her properly. “Hey,” he said, quieter now, but still warm. “I mean it. You’re a lot, yeah, but not in a bad way. The right people aren’t gonna need you to tone it down. They’ll just keep up or get left behind.” He shrugged lightly. “And trust me, someone’s gonna be obsessed with all that energy that you have." Then, of course, she had to ruin the sincerity. Royalty let out a short laugh, raising an eyebrow at her. “Threaten him? Nevaeh, you’d scare him off before he even sat down,” he said, amused. “At least let the guy get through the front door first before you start one of your speeches." He gave her a look when she fired back about his boyfriend, lips twitching. “First of all,” he started, pointing at her again, “mind your business.” There was no bite to it, just playful deflection. “Second, yeah, they probably would get along. Sit there in silence while you interrogate everyone in the room.” At her last question, though, he paused. He leaned back a little more, one hand resting against his jaw as he considered it, eyes drifting for a second before coming back to her. “Yeah,” he admitted after a beat, voice more grounded now. “I’ve thought about things short term." A small, almost private smile tugged at his lips. “I don’t really plan it all out like that,” he went on, glancing down briefly before shrugging. “I like spontaneity in my life too." Then, because he couldn’t stay serious for too long, his expression shifted again, eyes narrowing slightly in playful suspicion. “Why?” he asked, tilting his head. “You planning your whole future with the mystery big biceps tree loving guy already?"

"it’s a lot of responsibility, but she just learned how to clap to support you, which is a big step for the gay community," she joked, laughing at herself. celeste kept clapping for a while until she got bored, still clearly very proud of her new skill. "don’t let her down, she’ll want to know her uncle is having a good time," she added with a smile. "yeah, he does, but you’ll probably do great, you have your sister," she pointed out, "and if she has as much energy as casey’s mom says she does… you’d survive celeste just fine," she laughed. she really liked nevaeh, she was funny, easy to talk to, and the fact that she got along so well with casey was an instant green flag for coral. "i love that i’m going to get all the details," she added, this time clapping her own hands playfully. when celeste got tired of sitting and started whining and wiggling for coral to put her down, the blonde smiled and gently set her on the floor. her smile lingered as royalty insisted on giving them a snack before they left. "i think i’m in the mood for some crisps," she nodded, getting up from the couch. "she’ll eat anything you give her, she’s not picky at all," she assured, "when she started crawling, she put everything she found in her mouth, i’m honestly surprised she never got sick," she laughed, shaking her head. "but if not, i might have a little bag of puffed grain snacks somewhere in my bag, you always need fuel for that little machine, imagine if she ran out of energy," she joked, glancing at her daughter running around, giggling and bouncing. "thanks for the update, i really needed it," she added with a small smile.

Royalty let out a loud, instant laugh, head tipping back as he clapped his hands once in pure amusement. “Not Celeste being an ally already, that’s my girl!” he said, pointing at her like she’d just done something groundbreaking. “See? I’ve got pressure now to live my best gay life. I can’t be out here embarrassing myself, I’ve got a whole tiny supporter counting on me.” He dropped his hand dramatically to his chest, shaking his head like the weight of it all was too muchm before immediately breaking into a grin again. “Uncle Royalty does not disappoint, alright?" At the mention of surviving Celeste, he scoffed lightly, waving a hand. “Please, I’d thrive,” he said, flashing a confident grin. “Me and her? Same energy that I'm use to being around." He glanced over at Celeste as she started moving around, his expression softening for a split second before he looked back at Coral. “And don’t worry,” he added, pointing between them, “I’m telling you everything. I’m talking full recap, commentary, maybe even reenactments if it gets dramatic.” As Coral mentioned crisps, he perked up immediately, already turning like he was on a mission. “Say less, crisps coming right up,” he said, moving toward the kitchen. He pulled out a box of crisps (full of all the different flavours) and shot Coral a quick look, smile softening just a touch under all the chaos. “Hey, anytime,” he said, voice still warm but a little more grounded. “You know I got you. Always.” He immediately dropped to Celeste's level, and pulled out a packet, holding it up like a prize. “Chocolate-covered animal snacks,” he announced proudly. He opened the packet. He crouched closer, holding one out to her with a grin. “You ever had a chocolate giraffe before, or am I about to change your life?”

Benjamin was deep in thought and taken back at Royalties question. What did he want her to know? " uhm... I dont know. I dont know what you have told her... maybe that you will eventually get all your hoodies back" he joked, he wasnt sure what to say, he wasnt sure what he should say. " you have told her all that? doo you guys talk about me a lot?" benjamin wondered. " you told her i overthink?" he asked embarressed tho he obviouly knew Royalty had told her. " why did you tell her that? " benjamin bit his lip. would his sister look at it as a problem? " dont worry, i wont be walking in as just royalties boyfriend, tho i am and im so fucky happy and lucky that i am"

He laughed louder when Benjamin accused him of teasing. Royalty leaned in just enough to be annoying before pulling back again. “I flirt? Me? Never.” His eyes sparkled with mischief. Once in the car, Royalty rested a hand on Benjamin’s thigh. With Benjamin, silence never needed fixing. At his question about his sister, Royalty glanced over and smiled. “You do overthink,” he said warmly, no judgment in it. “And she’s like me times one hundred, so trust me, she’s not gonna blink at that.” He chuckled quietly. “If anything, she’ll probably like you more for it. She overthinks too much sometimes too.” He squeezed his leg lightly. “Yeah, we talk about you a lot. Why wouldn’t we?” Then he shook his head at Benjamin’s embarrassment. “Overthinking is not a flaw. Means you care.” Royalty rubbed the back of his neck, a rare flicker of nerves showing before he smiled at Benjamin. “I should probably warn you though,” he said, voice softer now. “I’ve dated guys before but I’ve never introduced someone to my sister as my boyfriend.” His hand found Benjamin’s again, holding it firmly.

coral’s eyebrows lifted when he said he wasn’t smitten—only for him to correct himself a second later. she smiled warmly. “you can be smitten, you know. there’s nothing wrong with that,” she assured him. “you’re a loverboy, and that’s a good thing.” she glanced down as celeste kept clapping enthusiastically, fascinated by her own hands. coral chuckled softly. “of course, we all need some baby claps from time to time. she’s clearly supporting you being smitten over your new boyfriend—you should feel honored.” she winked playfully. “that’s the plan anyway. she’ll grow up supporting uncle royalty’s rights and wrongs.” when the conversation shifted to casey and celeste, coral laughed lightly. “trust me, you can’t really prepare for them. they come with their own terms and conditions. eventually you get used to it, but at first it’s like—wow, that’s a lot happening all at once.” she grinned fondly; she wouldn’t change her boyfriend for anything. “and yes, popcorn is absolutely required. i’m going to need a full update on how that goes,” she added. when the topic turned more serious, coral’s expression softened. she had never planned to tell celeste who she had to be or who she should love—that would always belong to her daughter. “that’s always been the idea,” coral nodded. “honestly, casey and i never even had a big conversation about it. we both just knew we weren’t going to box her into anything.” she bumped shoulders back when royalty nudged her, laughing. “of course you are,” she said as she gently held celeste’s little wrists, helping her clap again. “and hey… if he’s still in the closet, maybe hearing how you feel could actually help him,” she added gently. “might make him feel a little braver.” she looked down at the baby again. “celeste,” coral called softly. the little girl turned her head. “uncle royalty deserves to be happy, right?” coral chuckled when celeste just stared at her. “that’s a yes. i can read my baby’s mind.” right on cue, celeste started whining, twisting in coral’s hands as she tried to get down to the floor. coral laughed. “okay—sitting time is officially over.” she looked back at royalty. “and hey, if you need us to leave at any point, just say it. we’ll probably have to head home soon anyway and get her something proper to eat.”

Royalty listened to Coral with an expression that shifted between amused and sheepish, rubbing the back of his neck when she called him a loverboy. A quiet laugh slipped out of him. “Alright, alright,” he said, holding his hands up in surrender. “Maybe a little smitten.” His mouth curved into a grin. “Don’t go spreading that around though, I’ve got a rep to protect." His eyes dropped to Celeste as she clapped enthusiastically, the sound tiny but determined. The sight made his grin soften instantly. “Oh yeah?” Royalty said, leaning forward slightly as if addressing her directly. “You backing me up, huh, my little hype girl." When Coral joked that the baby was supporting him being smitten, he placed a hand dramatically over his chest. “That’s a lot of responsibility for someone who just learned how hands work,” he teased. “But I appreciate the support, little one. I'll promise not to let you down." At the mention of Casey and Celeste coming with their own terms and conditions, he laughed again, shaking his head. “I believe it,” Royalty said. “Casey alone feels like a whole instruction manual in one. Throw in the baby too and I feel like I’d need a training course to get use to it all." He nudged Coral’s shoulder back when she bumped him, smiling fondly as he watched her help Celeste clap again. “And don’t worry,” he added, pointing a finger at her. “You’ll absolutely get a full update. Popcorn, commentary, the whole thing. Might even be a recap of my most embarrassing moments too." When the conversation softened again, his expression followed. Royalty leaned his forearms on his knees, listening carefully as Coral talked about Celeste growing up without being boxed into anything. “Yeah,” he said quietly, nodding. “That’s exactly how it should be.” He glanced down at Celeste again, his smile returning when Coral spoke to her. When the baby started whining and twisting to get down, he chuckled, pushing himself up from where he was sitting. “Nah, you’re good,” he assured her. “You guys don’t have to rush out on my account.” He glanced at Celeste again before looking back to Coral with a small, appreciative smile. He glanced between the two of them before gesturing toward the kitchen. “But at least let me fix you both with a snack before you go,” Royalty added. “What do you want, chocolate? biscuits? crisps?” His smile widened slightly as he looked down at Celeste. “And don’t worry,” he added playfully, “I’m sure we can find something she might like too."

at her brother’s words, nevaeh couldn’t help but laugh. “i could win a gold medal for adhd, casey—no competition,” she bragged dramatically, as if her inability to focus or sit still was a professional skill. “exactly, you get it now. some people say it’s exhausting, but honestly i’m a natural. i’m incredibly good at it.” she grinned, shoulders lifting in an easy shrug. talking with her brother was effortless; she never had to filter herself or pretend to be someone else—just talk, listen, exist. when royalty started talking about his relationship, nevaeh visibly dialed herself down a notch, focusing instead on how happy he seemed. that part mattered. “hey, take your time. no reason to rush things,” she said between bites of pizza. “i’m just glad he makes you happy.” she took a massive bite then, one so big it took her a moment to chew through it. when he insisted trees didn’t moo, she tried to respond immediately but couldn’t speak yet, so she just waved a hand while chewing until she finally swallowed. “he’s the least freddy krueger person ever. like… there’s not a single horror movie he could fit into,” she said thoughtfully before lowering her voice into a dramatic trailer narrator tone. “but we could make one. the silence of the christmas trees.” she cracked up at her own joke. “also, i’m not short—that’s what i say all the time. now you get the feeling,” she added with a playful wink. when he mentioned liking that the guy was quiet, her eyes lit up instantly. “it’s a crush,” she corrected with a grin. then, almost automatically, she added, “or maybe he just can’t keep up.” it was easier to assume things might go wrong before they did; her brain moved too fast, sometimes she was just impulsive in that moment all she did was overthinking. "like that girl i dated, that suggested i should take pills to tone it down, not everyone can deal with this" she shrugged, she didn't like how she felt after taking those pills, she felt like a zomby. “i’ll keep you updated, but don’t expect much. i probably scared him already,” she shrugged, taking another bite of pizza. “but yeah, quiet might be good. i think we’re loud enough for everyone anyway—well, i definitely am.” she casually dropped the crust back in the box; no one would ever catch nevaeh eating a pizza crust unless it was stuffed with cheese. "any advice?"

Royalty listened to Nevaeh with the kind of quiet attention that came naturally around his siblings, one elbow resting on the table while he watched her bounce from joke to joke. A smile tugged at his mouth when she bragged about winning a gold medal for ADHD against Casey. “Yeah, I can see the podium now,” he said dryly. “First place: Nevaeh. Second place: Casey. Third place, maybe Coral's little girl." He shook his head with a small laugh, though there was affection behind it. Talking with her had always been easy, no effort, no pretending. When she told him to take his time with the guy he liked, his expression softened a little. Royalty nodded, picking at his own slice of pizza. “Yeah,” he said quietly. “That’s the plan. Just seeing where it goes.” Then the tree conversation started again and he let out a short laugh when she tried to argue while still chewing. “You know most people finish chewing before starting a debate,” he pointed out. But when she dropped into the dramatic movie trailer voice, he leaned back slightly, clearly entertained. “The Silence of the Christmas Trees?” Royalty repeated, raising an eyebrow. “Terrifying. Really. I’m shaking.” He tapped the table lightly. “Plot twist—turns out the trees do moo.” At her comment about not being short, he gave her a look. “Nevaeh,” he said flatly, “you’re fun-sized. Just embrace it.” But when she corrected him, it’s a crush, he noticed the way her tone shifted a little afterward. The joke about people not keeping up. “Hey,” he said gently, leaning forward a little. “You don’t have to tone yourself down for anyone.” His voice stayed calm but firm. “If someone can’t handle how your brain works, that’s on them, not you. You’re not supposed to feel like a zombie just so someone else is comfortable.” He nudged the pizza box slightly with his fingers. “And for the record,” he added, “the right person won’t think you’re too much. They’ll just keep up the best they can.” When she asked for advice, Royalty hummed thoughtfully. “Honestly?” he said. “Just be you. You’re already doing that.” A small smile returned to his face. “And maybe give the guy a chance to get a word in between your twenty-seven thoughts per minute,” he teased lightly. “Quiet people sometimes just take a little longer to jump in.” He shrugged. “But if he’s still around after that,” Royalty added, “that’s usually a good sign.” After another bite of pizza, he spoke again. “And hey,” Royalty added, tone turning warm again, “if things get comfortable between you two, invite him over sometime. We’ll make him feel welcome.” He gave a small shrug. “No pressure, just so he knows he knows who he needs to know around here."

she was so glad she had royalty—she could be completely herself around him, didn’t have to worry about how fast her brain worked or how impossible it sometimes felt for others to keep up; she didn’t have to waste energy trying to sit still. “i’m glad i’m the chaos in your world,” she placed a hand dramatically over her chest, “it’s such an honor,” she smirked. when he called her annoying, she tossed her hair back. “thanks, but you say that like it’s easy. do you know how hard i work to be this annoying? it’s a full-time job, so next time you try to use it against me, remember the effort,” she burst out laughing. even through the bubbly energy, though, there was a soft spot in her heart when it came to her brother, and knowing he was in a relationship that made him so happy but couldn’t fully show it made her chest ache; she understood that his boyfriend needed time to come out, and that was never simple, and no one could rush that. “yeah, just take it one step at a time,” she said more gently, offering a warm smile. when he mentioned her not talking about periods being character development, she nodded. “you have no idea how hard that was, i genuinely have a problem,” she laughed, taking a big bite of her pizza. “i mean, he doesn’t milk trees,” she added casually, mouth still half full before she swallowed. “he just sells them—but he owns a tree farm, so what do you think he does at night? when the trees start moving and whispering? do they moo? baa?” she giggled. “the love of my life? a horror movie? make up your mind. i don’t know if i’m ready to make out with freddy krueger,” she laughed. “what does he look like… hmm. tall—taller than you, short king,” she teased, even though her brother definitely wasn’t short. “broad shoulders, dark hair, cute face … obsessed with trees, kind of quiet and shy,” she nodded. “i think i startled him a couple of times.”

Royalty was already grinning before she even finished her dramatic “honor” speech. He leaned back, slow clap and all, smooth as ever. “Please,” he said, flashing that easy smile. “You were born chaos. I just got lucky enough to have front row seats.” When she defended her annoying streak like it was a profession, he shook his head, amused. “Oh, I know it’s a full-time job. The dedication? The consistency? Elite level.” He pointed at her slice of pizza. “You don’t clock out. That’s what makes you dangerous.” But when her tone softened about his relationship, so did he. Royalty’s grin didn’t disappear, it just gentled. “Yeah,” he said quietly. “One step at a time. He’ll get there. I’m not in a rush.” His smile turned softer, more private. “When it’s real, you don’t need to force it into the light. It finds its own way there eventually." When she started in on the tree farm horror lore, he stared at her like she’d just personally offended forestry. “The tree does not moo,” Royalty said smoothly, though he was fighting a laugh. “And if those trees start whispering, I’m blaming you. You’re the only one unhinged enough to teach them. Don't become a bad influence on his stock." At the Freddy Krueger comment, he winced dramatically. “Please do not compare your new crush to a horror villain. I’m trying to support you.” Then she described Sullivan and he sounded pretty cute, honestly. “I am not short,” he said calmly, smiling in that dangerously composed way. He listened to the rest, though, really listened. Tall. Broad shoulders. Quiet. Shy. Obsessed with trees. His grin turned sly. “Ah,” he nodded slowly. “You startled him because you're basically his opposite. But I like that he’s quiet,” Royalty added, confidence warm and steady. “You need someone who doesn’t compete with your volume. Someone who watches you like you’re the event. Someone who evens you out." His smile softened again, protective, but never overbearing. “And if he’s shy? Good. That means he’s probably sincere.” He raised a brow playfully. “Just don’t terrorise him too much, menace.” Then, with a wink. "Maybe he'll get on with my boyfriend too. Two shy boys. Is that the sibling preference right now?"

coral looked at her best friend with a wide grin. “that’s so cute, ah!” she squealed. “you sound so smitten it’s insane, i love it.” she clapped excitedly, which immediately made celeste clap too, and coral laughed. “see? coolest trick ever,” she said proudly before leaning down to press a kiss to the baby’s hair. when royalty mentioned warning benji about his sister, coral smiled knowingly. nevaeh and casey had been chaos in matching sneakers since they were kids, so she could only imagine the energy benji was about to experience. “oh, she’s super nice,” coral assured with a soft chuckle, “but yeah… he better stretch beforehand. the questions come fast and there’s no commercial breaks.” at the praise about her parents giving her space to figure life out, coral’s smile softened. “that’s the dream,” she said gently. “let this little princess be whoever she wants, do whatever she wants… just preferably far, far away from sharp objects.” she poked celeste’s sides lightly. “right, baby?” the tiny giggle that followed made her beam. then she turned back to her best friend, eyes warm. “you’re in love, my man,” she nodded knowingly. “and i am so ridiculously happy for you.” she leaned her head against her shoulder affectionately. “you have to tell him how you feel. if he’s the softie i’m picturing, he’s going to absolutely melt.”

Royalty didn’t even try to hide his grin as Coral started squealing. He shook his head, laughing under his breath while Celeste clapped along, clearly pleased with herself. “Don’t gas me up too much,” Royalty teased, though the warmth creeping into his cheeks gave him away. “I’m not smitten.” He paused. “…Okay, maybe a little.” His eyes softened watching Coral kiss Celeste’s hair, something tender flickering across his expression. “That clap thing is elite parenting, by the way,” he added, nodding toward the baby. “She's a little hype lady now, huh?" At the mention of Benji facing Nevaeh’s rapid-fire interrogation, Royalty laughed outright. “See, that’s exactly what I told him. I said, ‘You think you’re prepared, but you’re not.’” He lifted a brow playfully. “I might actually bring popcorn.” When Coral talked about giving Celeste space to become whoever she wanted, Royalty’s expression shifted, softer, thoughtful. He watched his best friend with a quiet kind of admiration. “You’re already doing it,” he said gently. “She’s going to grow up knowing she can be anything because you never boxed her in.” Royalty huffed a small laugh, trying, and failing, to play it cool. “You make it sound so dramatic.” But his smile betrayed him. It wasn’t dramatic. It was real. When Coral leaned against his shoulder, Royalty let her, bumping her lightly in return. “If he melts, I’m blaming you,” he added playfully. “But yeah, I think you’re right.” He gaze lifted again, steady now. “I am in love,” he admitted, finally owning it. “He should know how I feel, right?” he said, voice steadying. “That way he’ll know he’s got a safe space with me. No guessing. No second-guessing. Just something solid.”

" i love that the rules apply all night and everywhere," he admitted with a small smirk. Benjamin's eyes were locked on his boyfriend as he got comfy in the seat of the car. " well i do prefer your hot body so thats fine." he bit his lip, tugging at it as his eyes stared at Royalty's toned skin and defined six-pack. Benjamin wasnt one to pick a lover by his body, but oh, did Benjamin love Royaltys body. He was so fine. Just thinking about it could get him all hot and bothered. As his shirt fell, Benjamin snapped out of his staring state " you are such a tease " he said as Royalty walked around. Benjamin did as the man said and buckled up " babe, be real, you always distract me. Tonight wont be an exception, at all," he chuckled softly. Benjamin smiled as Royalty got in and placed his hand on Benjamins knee, he placed his own hand on top of it and watched his boyfriend drive the whole way hometo Royaltys place. He didnt say much, just enjoyed the moment with him.

A few seconds later he hummed softly, thumb tracing slow circles. “What’s something you’d want Nevaeh to know about you? Like, not résumé stuff. Just, you stuff.” He shrugged one shoulder. His eyes flicked over again briefly, softer now. “I already tell her the good things. That you’re thoughtful. That you overthink but still try anyway. That you look stupidly cute in my hoodies.” A smirk tugged at his lips. “I want you to feel like you’re walking in as yourself. Not just ‘Royalty’s boyfriend'.”

coral looked at her best friend with a smile on her lips. “yeah, that’s how it’s supposed to feel, electric in a way that makes you want to be around him all the time no matter what,” coral smiled, genuinely happy that royalty had found his person, the boy who made him smile and look so happy. she remembered when she met casey at that wedding, how the world seemed to stop and she wanted it to stay that way, how everything felt brighter when he was around, when all she wanted was for him to text her. in a way they had changed, the passion was still there, the longing to be together remained, but it had blossomed into something deeper than that honeymoon phase. “just enjoy it, it’s really nice, it turns into something better, but the first months? ugh, you learn a lot of things from your boyfriend, for sure,” she chuckled softly. when he mentioned having to warn benji about nevaeh she laughed. “oh, you definitely have to, she has a lot of energy, i do know,” she chuckled, knowing how close casey and nevaeh were, how long they’d known each other. her attention shifted back to his photos and she laughed at his words. “of course, if i looked this good, i’d take all those shirtless pictures and more,” she promised, handing him back his phone before wrapping her arms around the baby. “he’s your type for sure,” she assured. coral leaned down to kiss celeste’s blonde hair. “i don’t know,” she mused, “oh, she’s going to have opinions for sure,” she nodded, “of course she’s going to surprise us, she’s casey’s daughter,” coral laughed. “all i want is for her to find the person who makes her feel loved and safe, the same way you feel when you’re with benji,” she nodded.

Royalty laughed softly, shaking his head as Coral talked, that easy smile settling on his face. “Yeah,” he said, voice warm and a little bashful, “that’s exactly it. Like I could be anywhere, but I’d still rather be wherever Benji is.” He listened as she talked about Casey, nodding along, clearly getting it. "I'm still learning but I'm down to learn. He's interesting enough to want to get to know as something more." At the mention of Nevaeh, he laughed again. “Oh, trust me, Benji’s been warned. Repeatedly,” he teased. “I think they will get along though. The two are both opposites but she's kind and he's got a nice heart." He hoped they would make friends one day soon. It'd be nice to have a get together at the same time. When she handed his phone back, he rolled his eyes playfully. “Okay, but don’t encourage me,” he joked. He smiled at Coral’s last words, touched. “That’s all I want too, for her to feel loved and safe. Royalty smiled at that, nodding gently. “Celeste’s got good parents who’ll keep her grounded and honestly, that’s what matters most. Everything else, she’ll figure out in her own time.” Royalty glanced down at his phone, and when the lockscreen lit up, he let out a soft laugh. He pressed a hand to his chest, smiling to himself as he took in the picture of his boyfriend. “Ah, damn,” he murmured fondly, shaking his head. “He’s so fucking cute. I didn't realise I would be this much in my feels with him."

Benjamin couldnt help but chuckled as his boyfirend opened the door in such a cute and playful way " why thank you my dear. " he said before pecking his lips real quick and getting in " oh yeah? and do they apply all night as well? or just in the car? " he asked jokingly

At the car, Royalty opened the door with an exaggerated flourish, bowing just slightly. “After you, he said, eyes sparkling. When Benjamin joked back, Royalty laughed, leaning in close. “Oh, they absolutely apply all night,” he replied smoothly. “Car, couch, wherever you happen to be.” He paused, voice softening into something intimate. “Gentleman’s rules. I don’t make exceptions, especially not for you, only the heater is replaced by my hot body." With a playful huff, he lifted the hem of his shirt just enough to reveal the toned lines of his six-pack, eyebrows lifting in mock innocence. He shook his head, amused and fond all at once, letting the shirt fall back into place before stepping around to the driver’s side. As he opened the door, he glanced back at Benjamin, eyes warm, teasing softened by affection. “Seatbelt on,” Royalty added gently. “I’d hate to be responsible for distracting you all night.” With that, he slid into the driver’s seat, still smiling to himself like a gentleman who absolutely knew what he was doing. His one hand pressed against Benjamin's knee. "Let's hit the road."

nevaeh squinted at his last words. “i’m not annoying,” she shook her head. “i bring you food and i share my energy with you, that’s love,” she pointed out. “your past is mine to share,” she winked, kneeling on the floor to dig through the plastic bags. she opened the pizza box and glanced at her brother. “strategically observant… evil, different sides of the same coin,” she shrugged, then sank down onto the floor. “but i want everything,” she added simply. at home, she didn’t have to keep herself calm or bottle up her energy. she looked at her brother as he talked about his relationship, nodding, biting her tongue while waiting for him to finish. “okay, that’s good,” she nodded. “i’m happy you care about this guy, but you need to care about yourself too,” she said gently. “and i don’t know if it’s selfish, but you also need to think about whether you want to live like that forever if he never comes out.” she took way too big of a bite, sitting there listening while trying not to choke on the pizza. “yeah, of course, i get it,” she promised. “not everyone needs to be caught by their father and stepmother making out on the couch,” she chuckled, mouth still full, the memory still painfully embarrassing. “you sound so sweet, i’m getting diabetes,” she teased, finally swallowing. “about me? i think i’m inhaling way too many nail products,” she laughed, then laughed even harder at his question. “oh, so now you’re asking me?” she raised her eyebrows. “the other day i met this guy while i was shopping for a tree for the salon,” she mused. “he owns a tree farm, he milks the trees, takes them out for walks,” she chuckled. “he was undeniably cute,” she added. “hey, and i didn’t explode and tell him about periods, that’s progress.”

Royalty rolled his eyes, a fond smile giving him away as he reached out and lightly flicked her forehead. “You are annoying,” he said plainly, then softened immediately, voice warm. “But I love you anyway. Probably more because of it.” He leaned back, glancing at her with that familiar sibling affection. “Wouldn’t be my world without your chaos in it.” When she claimed his past as hers to share, he laughed under his breath and shook his head. “That explains why you tell my stories with so much confidence,” he said warmly. “You’ve been freelancing my trauma.” As she spoke about his relationship, Royalty listened, really listened, shoulders relaxing as she finished. “I know,” he admitted gently. “I hear you. And I promise I’m not lighting myself on fire to keep someone else warm. I’m trying to choose myself and him. It’s a work in progress but I have no doubts." When she brought up the whole coming-out thing, he sighed, but there was no frustration, just honesty. “I don’t know if I could do it forever either,” he said. “But I’m not there yet. He just needs time to figure things out and I'll happily wait and cheer him from the sidelines until I can't anymore." Her pizza bite made him laugh, full and fond. “Slow down,” he said, amused. “You’re not in competition with the slice.” At her memory of their parents, he groaned dramatically. “I didn’t need that visual again,” Royalty said, laughing. “But see? Character development.” Then he leaned in slightly, eyes curious when she started talking about herself. “Nail fumes aside, I am asking,” he said playfully. “I like knowing what’s going on in your orbit.” The tree-farm story made him blink. “He milks the trees?” Royalty repeated slowly. “Nev. That’s either the love of your life or the opening scene of a horror movie.” At her progress comment, he grinned proudly. “Hey,” he said warmly. “That’s huge growth. I’m proud of you. You’re evolving." He took another bite from his slice of pizza. “So,” he said, voice teasing but eager, “what does he look like? What’s his personality like?"

at his words coral laughed. “a double espresso? i’ll need three,” she joked, shaking her head. she loved her daughter more than words could ever explain, and she loved the constant energy that filled her home, but sometimes she knew she couldn’t quite match it, and maybe that was okay—maybe she was meant to be the calm part of their family’s equation. “cosie is cute, i like it,” she chuckled. “make life more interesting?” she scoffed. “you’ve never cleaned a puddle of pee—if you had, trust me, you wouldn’t call it interesting,” she laughed. “it was like she wanted maximum chaos; when i tried to clean her up, she just toddled away, turning back to look at me like, ‘you can’t catch me,’ and that’s when i saw casey, in tiny form,” she added, laughing again. “but hearing that from you helps,” she smiled softly. when the conversation shifted to his relationship, her expression softened. “of course it’s amazing—the first months of a relationship are so exciting. not that it goes away if it’s meant for you, but the beginning? ugh, so cute,” she smiled. “and we both know nevaeh—she’ll probably ask him his take on organic tampons whether he gets periods or not,” she laughed. watching how gentle and natural he was with celeste made her chest tighten in the best way. she took his phone. “you sent him videos? wow, i thought i was the crazy one, but i was so wrong,” she teased, snapping a quick picture of her daughter and royalty together before scrolling. “so cute—you’re making my heart melt, fucker,” she chuckled, then raised her brows as she looked through the album. “okay… royalty, that’s a lot of shirtless, but damn, he’s really cute—like, insanely cute.”

Royalty laughed easily along with her, the kind that came from his chest. “Three might actually be the right number,” he grinned. “You've got the perfect little family but I don't know how you deal with all that energy bundled into two of your favourite people at the same time." At the story about the puddle, he winced dramatically before laughing. “Okay, okay, I take it back,” he said, holding up his hands. “That’s funny but also a little gross." Her comparison made him laugh harder. “Tiny Casey energy? Yeah, I can see it already. That look of pure confidence while doing something wildly unhinged.” He softened a little then. “You’re doing an incredible job though, Coral. Even when it’s messy. Everyone can see that you're a great mom." When she mentioned the early days of a relationship, his smile turned fond. “It really is like that,” he agreed. “Everything feels electric at the start. I’m trying to enjoy it without rushing through it.” At the comment about Nevaeh, he laughed again. “Oh, absolutely. No one’s safe from her curiosity. I'l need to warn Benji before she along and scares the hell out of him with all her questions that need answering." As she took his phone, he didn’t protest—just watched, amused, as she scrolled. “Hey, don’t expose me like that,” he joked, shaking his head. “Listen, if you’ve got it, you’ve got it,” he said with a shrug. Then, more sincerely, “But yeah—he’s special." Royalty’s gaze shifted naturally—from Coral, to Celeste in her arms, then back again—his smile softening in a way that felt unguarded. He chuckled quietly. “Right?” he said, easy confidence laced with warmth. “He’s cute. Definitely my type.” He glanced at Celeste again, amused, then added with a playful hum, “I do wonder what her type will be one day. Way, way in the far future,” he emphasised lightly, grinning. “Something tells me she’s going to have opinions. Strong ones. I wonder if she'll be into blondes, brunettes, tall people, short people —athletic build or not. I feel like she’s gonna surprise us all.”

“i thought it was family over boyfriends, now i know i’m the second choice… i’ll die single and without my family because you’ll be too busy swallowing your boyfriend’s tongue,” she said dramatically, rolling her eyes at her own words. as she sat down, she smiled at his reply. “if you don’t say i’m the best, i have to tell myself so i can believe it,” she smiled, placing the bag on the table and starting to unpack everything. “is that a reference to an old italian boyfriend?” she smirked. “people shouldn’t tell me things about their relationships because i use them against them, maybe i’m not bad, maybe i’m just evil,” she laughed. she opened the pizza box and set it on the table, then, before answering his question, grabbed a slice and took a huge bite. “what do i want to know? everything, royalty, for the love of god, i want to know everything,” nevaeh laughed. but when he said he wasn’t out, her eyes softened. “so you haven’t seen each other outside your place,” she trailed off. “are you okay with that?” she asked gently. “i guess it’s hard not being able to be around the guy you like in public…” she set the slice back on the cardboard. “you’re not going to get hurt because of that, right?”

Royalty snorted, already shaking his head as she went full dramatic. “Please,” he shot back, amused. “You’ll always be important to me. Boyfriends come and go, hopefully not this one, but annoying sisters are forever.” At her smirk, he laughed. “Wow. Dragging my past like that already? Bold.” He leaned forward, elbows on the table. “And noted—you’re not evil, you’re just… strategically observant.” His grin widened. “Honestly, I respect it.” When she demanded everything, he lifted his hands in surrender. “Okay, okay, relax,” he said, laughing. “Everything is a lot. But I like that you care.” His tone softened slightly as she did, and he didn’t dodge her question. “Yeah, we mostly see each other at my place,” he admitted. “And… I’m okay with it. I think.” He shrugged, honest but calm. “It’s not ideal, but it’s where he’s at, and I get that. We also hang out at parties, or, you know, in my car,” he said with a little grin, the teasing in his tone obvious. “But never at his parents’ place—so public spaces only. Keeps things… manageable.” He shrugged lightly, eyes meeting hers, a little mischievous but still open. “It’s weird, not being able to just be around him wherever I want, but I want to make it work." He met her eyes, steady and sincere. “I won’t lie—it’s hard sometimes. I’d like him to just exist with without thinking about who’s watching.” Then he gave a small, confident smile. “But I’m not going to let it hurt me. If it ever feels like too much, I’ll say something. I promise.” Royalty reached for a slice of pizza, grabbing it casually as he shrugged one shoulder, a small, confident smirk playing on his lips. “Look,” he said, taking a bite and then speaking between chews, “I know what it’s like to be in the closet. He deserves his own time to come out. I’m not gonna ever rush that on anyone.” He set the slice down for emphasis, eyes meeting hers with calm sincerity, still carrying that easy, teasing energy. “So yeah, we keep it low-key where he feels safe. That’s all that matters.” He took a casual bite, watching her reaction. “What about you?” he asked, eyes glinting with playful curiosity. “Seen any cuties out and about lately?”

Feeling the kiss on his temple, Benjamin took a deep breath as if he was relaxing himself. The kiss really did give him a sense of safety and comfort. Benjamin didnt say a word, just took in every moment of it. Then he took his boyfriends hand, a bit taken back. " what?" he asked as he go up with his help " your house" he then replied with a big smile.

When they reached the car, Royalty gave Benji’s hand a gentle squeeze, thumb brushing over his knuckles. His voice dropped a little, softer, warmer—just for him. “My house it is,” he said with a confident, affectionate smile. Royalty opened the passenger-side door with an exaggerated little flourish, one hand resting on the top of the car as he glanced back at Benji, eyes bright with playful confidence. “Your chariot awaits,” he said, voice warm and teasing, a soft grin tugging at his lips. Then, a little quieter and more sincere, he added, “C’mon, heater privileges apply once you’re inside.”

Benjamin had a plan. He had even talked to Royalty who had agreed to be outside but now Benjamin was realizing that tomorrow was already here, it was parred midnight, meaning anytime in the next 24 hours he had planned on telling his parents and the thought was making him panic.

Royalty stepped closer, careful and unhurried, and leaned down just enough to press a gentle kiss to Benjamin’s temple—brief, warm, meant to soothe more than anything else. He lingered there for half a second before pulling back, his hand reaching out instead, palm open in silent invitation. “C’mon,” he murmured, fingers curling lightly around Benjamin’s hand to help him up. “Your house or mine?”

at the sound of royality’s words nevaeh smiled. “oh, what a subtle way to tell me you’re kicking your family out because your boyfriend’s coming,” she shook her head; she would’ve taken a hand dramatically to her chest as if she were wounded, but both her hands were full. she walked deeper into the living room. “i’m supposed to share after this? i’m way too good for this world,” she smiled. she headed to the table, set the bags on top of it, grabbed one of the pillows from the couch, and sat on the floor. “i got cheese and garlic bread, sodas, and pasta from the best italian restaurant in this city,” she nodded, starting to take everything out of the box. “i want company and a good update on your boyfriend as payment—are you down for the payment?”

“Ah, you wound me, little sister,” he teased, lifting a hand to his chest dramatically, mimicking her earlier gesture, though with a bit more flair. “Forgive me for inviting my boyfriend over to my place for a little bit." He chuckled, knowing exactly how she would react to his little jab. It was one of the perks of having a younger sibling who could both dish it out and take it in stride. As Nevaeh walked deeper into the living room, Royalty followed, giving her space but still maintaining that relaxed, charismatic air. “Way too good for this world? Wow, Nev,” he said, shaking his head with mock disapproval, though the smile never left his face. “So egotistical… but in, like, the nicest possible way.” He chuckled to himself as she set the bags down on the table and grabbed a pillow. When she settled onto the floor, he couldn’t help but shake his head, his smile more affectionate than teasing. Royalty glanced down at the food she was unpacking, the scent of garlic bread and pasta making his stomach grumble in response. He looked back at her, eyes narrowing slightly in mock suspicion. “Italian, huh? I do love my Italians” he said, rubbing his chin like he was deep in thought. “I’m down,” he said, voice easy and warm. “What do you want to know about him? He’s cute. A little younger than me. Super sweet." Royalty’s grin softened a little as he added the next detail, leaning back on one hand and looking at Nevaeh with that easy, teasing warmth he always carried. “He’s also… not out."

talking to royalty was one of coral’s favourite things; he was able to match her craziness and playfulness in a way she loved. the way he knew when to be soft, gentle, or the life of the party depending on the moment was amazing, and she felt so comfortable around her best friend—she always had. “every time i look at her i see more of casey,” she said softly, “not just because of that look, i feel like she’s got so much energy bottled up in that tiny body,” she chuckled. “nothing bad about that, but when she can walk properly and talk, i feel like i’ll have a little version of my boyfriend running around our place, and i already need to babyproof it more.” she laughed. “you’re going to fight my mother-in-law to spend time with my baby? am i bad for wanting to see that?” she teased, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “yeah, it’s a cute ship name, i didn’t know people actually did that for real people, but i like it. you’re onto something, royalty.” she smiled, leaning against the couch. “cosey… i’ll tell him later,” she chuckled, looking at celeste. “annoyingly good at this? i’m constantly failing, i just don’t brag about it,” she joked. “i haven’t told casey this,” she leaned closer as if she were about to confess something awful, “i bought the wrong size diapers and, well… the princess made a mess toddling around because of me, so the house was a disaster, and i have those diapers hidden in a wardrobe—so everything is not perfect,” she laughed. she went quiet, listening to royalty talk about the guy who’d been on his mind. “you’re falling for him, that’s major,” she nodded, a smile on her lips. “when you know you love someone, it doesn’t matter if it’s new or not,” she said softly. “you have that in-love glint in your eyes,” she added, “you’re so cute, all in love—ah!” she let out an excited little scream, making celeste jump in his arms. “sorry, baby,” she whispered, kissing celeste’s head. “you’re not going to scare him, you’re so sweet and gentle; even if he’s softer, he’s not going to run away,” she promised. “he will run if you introduce him to nevaeh too soon though,” she joked, “so as long as you’re the one with him, i don’t think you need to worry about scaring him off.” she smiled, holding back another excited squeak for her daughter’s sake. “i’m so happy for you.”

Royalty laughed, a low, easy sound that mirrored Coral’s energy perfectly. He leaned back against the couch, eyes sparkling as he listened to her chatter. “Sounds like someone’s going to need a double espresso just to keep up with this tiny little hurricane.” His grin was playful, but soft, warm—genuine fondness in every glance. Royalty leaned a little closer, matching her grin. “Cosey… it's cute, huh? It rolls off the tongue. I think I'm going to you refer to you as that as a pair." He laughed warmly at her confession about the diapers. “Not perfect?” he repeated, mock horror in his tone, though his eyes stayed soft and amused. “Trust me, disasters like that just make life more interesting. You’re doing great.” When Coral went quiet to listen to him talk about the guy on his mind, Royalty’s chest warmed. She had that way of making him feel seen, even in small moments. He smiled, leaning back, letting her excitement wash over him. "Yeah… okay, fine. I’ve got that glint you’re talking about. In love, totally. And honestly? It’s kind of amazing.” His laugh was soft, affectionate, teasing. He grinned at her warning about Nevaeh. “Got it—slow introduction. No scaring him off. I’ll take notes.” The little toddler’s tiny movements, the way she wriggled just enough to demand attention, made his chest tighten with affection. He shifted slightly, scooting closer, and rested his head gently against the top of Celeste’s, careful not to disturb her. “You’re so cute,” he murmured softly, voice warm and low, brushing his fingers lightly along her tiny arm. His lips lifted in a gentle smile as he let himself settle there, letting the quiet warmth of the moment wrap around him. Royalty held out his phone toward Coral, a mischievous grin tugging at his lips. “Go on my phone,” he said, voice smooth and teasing, “type in the passcode, have a look at his photos in my album.” He leaned back slightly, giving her room but watching her every move. “Just… be careful, okay?” he added, a soft laugh in his voice. “I don’t know what all the photos are going to be, and… don’t watch any videos.”