#aibfic

  Can you feel it building Like a wave the ocean just can't control Connected by a feeling Ohhh, in our very souls Very souls, ohhh Rising 'til it lifts us up So everyone can see us

And two, three, cha cha- no. We're breakin' free We're soarin' Flyin' There's not a star in heaven That we can't reach If we're trying Yeah we're breaking free

One, two, back, four- nope.

Ohhhh runnin' Climbin' To get to that place To be all that we can be Now's the time So we're breaking free We're breaking free Ohhh, yeah

Okay, don’t get the wrong idea here. It’s not that she doesn’t like the music. She does. She owns the soundtrack and knows all the words and usually is more than happy to sing along. Plus, she’s met Zac and Vanessa before, and they’re totally sweet people that she honestly does love.

But practicing your cha cha to Breaking Free is pretty complicated. Especially when it’s not the song you’re supposed to be dancing to and isn’t even close to the correct beat. More than hope More than faith This is true This is fate And together We see it comin'

She’s not one to give up though. Again.

More than you More than me Not a want, but a need Both of us breakin' free

One and two and-

Soarin' Flyin' There's not a star in heaven-

“Stop the music!” She can’t take it anymore. She’s been more than patient but this is just too much. A second later the song pauses and three pairs of eyes turn to rest on her.

“You guys have to take that upstairs. Leave the door open but turn it down. I’m gonna be checking up on you, so no funny business. I mean it.”

Several dramatic groans are released, but Zendaya stays firm in her decision.

“I’m serious. I have to practice. Go.” she points to the staircase and after a few failed attempts at puppy eyes the radio is unplugged, shoes are dragged across hardwood, and she’s alone. Letting out a sigh Zendaya realizes she has no idea where she should be at. Great. Pulling her phone out of her pocket she quickly begins to fire off a text.

DAYA: What comes after the third count of 4?

Less than a minute later a reply pops up.

VAL: Chasse. Why are u practicing, its ur night off.

DAYA: uhm maybe bcuz I wanna nail this? Duhh :P

VAL: Lol, of course. I shoulda known.

VAL: Ur doing good tho babe. Take the break.

DAYA: Thx. But Im bored n e wayz. Mite as well work on these steps. Theyre driving me nuts.

VAL: Shouldn’t you be doin smthing fun? Like hanging out w/ Bella?

DAYA: Can’t. Im busy.

VAL: U just sed u were bored.

DAYA: Im babysitting my nieces and nephew.

VAL: Ohhh. OK. I get it now. Hang on.

Zendaya startles slightly when her phone begins to ring a second later.

“Sorry, I’m getting in the car so I can’t text.” Val explains, skipping over a traditional greeting. “So you’re babysitting?”

“Yup. Austin mentioned needing a sitter on Saturday so I offered. Apparently Laura has some function for work they have to go to.” She explains, mentioning her brother and sister-in-law.

Val chuckles. “Only you would offer to help someone out on your only night off.”

“They’re not hard to watch. And I’m not doing anything, so I might as well. That’s what family does.”

He can’t argue with that. “Good point.”

“So what are you doing? You said you were in the car. Off to paint the town?” Z teases, making him laugh.

“Actually I’m heading home from the vet. Sir Sleep needed to get his shots.”

“Aww. Poor baby.” She knows it’s necessary but she still feels bad for the dog.

“Eh, he’s tough. He’s a ladies’ man anyway, always trying to show off for the nurses.” Val chuckles. “Plus there was a beagle he saw that was quite the hottie.”

“He really is a pimp.” Z giggles.

“Damn straight. Anyway, since that’s done I really don’t have anything else on the agenda tonight.” He admits.

“Too bad. You could always come over and help me.” She’s completely kidding, of course, so she damn near drops the phone when he responds.

“Sounds like a plan. Are you at your place or Austin’s?”

Zendaya quickly shakes her head despite the fact that he can’t see her. “Val, I wasn’t serious. You can’t come over.”

“Why not?”

“Because… it’s weird.”

“Again, why?”

“Because… it just is.” She struggles to find the right words. “You’re my dance partner. And ten years older.”

“Z, we’ve been sneaking around for the past month. Of all the things to protest me coming over, you decide it’s because I’m teaching you to dance?”

Zendaya frowns. He has a point.

“If Austin and Laura find out... I mean, I could get in big trouble for sneaking my Snuffleupagus over.” She explains, using their code word.

When they first decided to see each other it was quickly realized that using the term boyfriend or girlfriend could lead to trouble should they ever be overheard. It was then that Zendaya remembered the popular Sesame Street character. The thing about Snuffleupagus was that only Big Bird could see him, so nobody else believed he existed. If she and Val used a code word instead of the traditional boyfriend/girlfriend term, their relationship would remain only seen by them. Which was important since they’d both be in a world of trouble should the information slip. Only a few people knew what was really going on. Most of the Dancing with the Stars cast knew, and Bella knew, but that was about it. Close friends they could trust to be supportive. That was just how it had to be for now.

“Don’t sneak me. Ask them.” Val’s simple response throws her off.

“What?”

“Send Austin a text and ask if I can come by for a while to help you practice. He’s met me a bunch of times, we’re cool. I bet you he says yes. Besides, it’s not like anything can happen with three kids around.”

“You’ve never met them before.” Zendaya points out nervously, as if sharing this piece of obvious information will make him retract his offer.

“So? Kids love me.” He says easily. “And I’ll bring food to win them over.”

Z sighs. “I am really hungry…”  

He chuckles. “I’m serious. Ask Austin and then when he says yes text me his address. I have to go, we’re almost home and Sleep is getting antsy. I’ll see you soon. I love you.”

“You too.” Zendaya can’t keep the smile off of her face as she hangs up the phone. Val just has that affect on her.

DAYA: I have a question.

BUBBY: Theyre lying. We dont let them watch Jersey Shore.

DAYA: Not my question but gd to know. lol. Im wrkin on my cha cha and was wondering if u and Laura would be kool w/ Val coming over 2 practice??

BUBBY: Oh, yea no prob.

DAYA: really?

BUBBY: Yea sure. He’s a cool dude. Plus Laura sez more hands to help control the beasts is never a bad thing.    

DAYA: Haha. Ok. Thx!

BUBBY: np. Have fun. C u and Val l8r.

DAYA: Byee!

Hm. That was a lot easier than she thought. She shrugs and sends a new text to Val with Austin’s address, and fifteen minutes later he’s standing in the foyer holding two pizza boxes and a grocery bag.

“Kids around?” he asks quietly, and when Zendaya shakes her head he leans in to kiss her lips tenderly. “Been less than twenty-four hours since we last saw each other yet I still find myself missing you like crazy.”

“I missed you too.” Z smiles and kisses him again before pulling away and taking the pizza boxes, leading him into the kitchen where she’s already set the table with paper plates and napkins.

“GUYS! DINNER!” It takes all of five seconds for the faint music to be stopped abruptly and replaced by three pairs of feet racing down the stairs at lightning speed. All three mocha-skinned kids come to a screeching halt at the threshold when Val enters into their line of focus.

“Who’s that?”

“This is my dance partner Val. You guys have seen him on Dancing with the Stars with me, remember?” Zendaya walks over to the children and begins to introduce them. “Val, this is Peyton. She’s ten. This is Brandon, who’s eight, and this is Scarlett. She just turned three.”

Brandon looks up at his aunt. “Why is he here?”

“Because we need to work on our dance for Monday. And he wanted to meet you guys. He’s really nice.” She adds, seeing their looks of hesitation. “I promise. Plus, he brought pizza!”

Peyton squints her eyes suspiciously. “What kind of pizza?” For some reason her tone makes Val incredibly nervous. He has a feeling the wrong answer could make for a very bad night.

“Pepperoni and extra cheese.” He says carefully, and the kids all instantly light up like the sun. Peyton grins widely and steps forward to shake his hand.

“It’s nice to meet you Val. Welcome to our house.”

Val lets out a quiet sigh of relief and kisses her hand. “The pleasure is all mine. And thank you. Zendaya talks about you three all the time.”

“Is that a tattoo?” Brandon points to the bit of ink peeking out from Val’s black t-shirt. The older man rolls up his sleeve to reveal the complete design.

“Yeah, it says Family Over Everything.”

“That’s so cool.” He breathes. “I want to get a tattoo but my dad says I have to wait until I’m older.”

“Your dad is a smart guy. I waited a long time to get this one because I wanted to be sure it was what I really wanted.” He admits. “But you know, while you wait you can draw a bunch of designs to think about what you’ll get eventually.”

Brandon stares at him wide eyed. “I never thought about that. I’m gonna go get paper!”

“Eat first.” Zendaya tells him, pointing to the table. “Do me a favor and help Peyton get drinks.”

Val crouches down and smiles at the youngest child.

“Hi there. What’s your name?”

“I Scarlett.” She reveals shyly.

“Well it’s very nice to meet you Scarlett. I’m Val.”

“Hi.”

Val points to the middle of her outfit. “I like your dress.”

“Flutterflies.” She responds solemnly. He nods.

“I see the butterflies. They look very pretty.” He smiles.

Scarlett stares at him for a minute. “Punzel?” she questions.

“She wants to know if you like Tangled.” Zendaya translates when Val shoots her a look of complete confusion. “She’s obsessed with it.”

“Oh, right. I love that movie. Rapunzel and Zachary Levi.”

“Flynn Rider.” Z nods.

“Brrrsh!” The small child shakes her head, imitating a horse.

“Max, right?” Val recalls. “I only remember that one because of my brother.”

“Horsie.” Scarlett murmurs, twirling around for a minute before turning to him. “I scare. Boo!”

“Ah!” he jumps dramatically, making her giggle. 

“Boo!” Again, Val jumps.

“You’re gonna give me a heart attack!”

“Hehehe. Boo!”

After jumping for a third time Zendaya steps in and scoops the youngest child up.

“Alright, you evil monster. Time for pizza.”

“We got drinks!” Peyton announces, gesturing to the four glasses filled to the brim with juice sitting on the table along with a sippy cup. “Aunt Daya, can I have two pieces?”

“Can I have nine?”

Z rolls her eyes. “Easy, B. How about everyone eats one at a time and we’ll see what happens after?” She sets Scarlett down in her booster seat and buckles her in while Val opens up the pizza boxes.

“I want pepperoni.” Brandon says, quickly reaching for the box. Val throws an arm out to halt his actions.

“Dude, ladies first. We gotta be gentlemen. Manners are the bomb.”

The younger boy thinks about it for a second and then nods. “Okay. Peyton, what do you want?”

“Pepperoni.” The ten year old is clearly surprised, but knows far better than to question it.

He grabs a slice and sets it on her plate, turning to his other sister. “Scar, do you want pepperoni or cheese?”

“Oatmeal.” She says firmly. “No onions.”

Brandon points to both boxes. “Which one?” he repeats, and she instantly points to the left.

“Yum.”

“Aunt Daya?”

“Cheese. Thanks B.”

“Give her the small piece.” Val tells him, pulling two plastic containers out of the grocery bag and setting one at Zendaya’s empty place as she cuts Scarlett’s slice into small bites. “I got you and me salads too.”

Z groans. “Why?”

“Because we’re still in season and we can’t afford to fill our bodies with junk. I’m not saying you can’t have the pizza, just eat the salad too. Please babe? For me?”

“Did you get dressing?”

He pulls out a bottle of white liquid. “It’s fat free, but I know you love your Ranch. Especially with pizza.” 

“Fine.” Zendaya finally takes her seat and scrunches up her nose. “You’re lucky I like your shoes.”

“I like your shoes too.” He promises, winking at her as the kids eat on, blissfully unaware of their hidden declaration of love. 

“Hey Val, what’s your favorite flavor of ice cream?” Peyton asks after a minute.

The complete randomness of the question momentarily stuns him, so it takes Val a second to answer.

“Uh, vanilla. I know it’s boring but I guess I like the classics.” He glances at Zendaya. “Clearly you’ve rubbed off on them.”

“I’m a good influence.” She shrugs proudly.

“What’s your favorite superhero?” Brandon questions after swallowing his mouth full of food.

“Probably Batman.”

“What do you do for fun?” Peyton takes the reins again.

“Well, I play the violin. And I like spending time with my friends and family and my dog.”

“What kind of dog is it?”

“His name is Sir Sleep. He’s a bulldog.” Val passes over his phone after pulling up a picture.

Peyton grins. “Aww! He’s so cute!”

“ME!” Scarlett screams, settling down when her sister lets her see the picture. “Puppy!”

Brandon takes a moment to look and then gets right back to the questioning. “So what’s your favorite food?”

Val slips the phone back into his pocket. “Probably this sausage dish my mom makes called kovbasa. It’s really spicy.”

“But so good.” Zendaya groans at just the thought of Mama C’s cooking. “She made it when they had me over for dinner a few weeks ago and it was incredible.”

“That’s a weird name for sausage.” Brandon says with a slightly disgusted look.

“It’s Ukrainian. My family is from Russia.” Val explains.

“That’s like fifty-two kajillion miles away.”

“Give or take a few kajillion.” He chuckles. “But yeah, it’s pretty far.”

“What about-”

“Okay guys, I think that’s enough of the third degree.” Zendaya cuts off her oldest niece. “Give him a break.”

Val grabs her knee with his free hand under the table and squeezes gently. “What about you guys? What do you like to do?”

“I play soccer.” Brandon declares. “I’m on the team at my school and we’re really good.”

“That’s awesome, man. Soccer is cool.”

“I want to be a famous painter.” Peyton tells him. “Also I’m going to marry the Jonas Brothers.”

Val raises his eyebrows. “All three of them?”

“We’ll find a place that it’s legal.” She assures him. “And that girl Kevin married is totally just a fling. You can come to the wedding if you want.”

“I will be there.” He nods and turns to Scarlett, who is happily munching on her dinner. “And what about you missy? What do you like?”

She grins. “Cheetos.”

“Well, you can’t really argue with that now can you?”

Zendaya shakes her head. “Nope.”

Peyton finishes up the last of her juice and sets down her napkin. “I’m done.” She announces. “Can I be excused? I wanna go watch High School Musical.”

“Me too. Please?” Then, suddenly realizing his interest in the movie might be deemed as uncool, Brandon quickly corrects himself. “I mean, uh, you know, whatever. I guess I’ll watch since nothing else is on.”

Z rolls her eyes and nods. “Yeah, go ahead. But take your sister with you.”

“TROY!” The toddler squeals excitedly as Peyton lifts her out of her seat.

“Yeah Scar, you get to see Troy.”

They’ve barely made it to the door when the youngest child suddenly begins to screech. Peyton sighs heavily and turns back to the table.

“Okay, okay. I’m sorry I forgot your juice. Don’t freak out.” She says, grabbing the sippy cup and rolling her eyes. “Stop doing that. I swear you’re going to bust my ear drum.”

“Drum drum drum. Boom boom.”

Brandon shakes his head. “Women.” He mutters, following his sisters out of the room tiredly.

“They’re crazy.” Zendaya says simply, dipping the last bit of her pizza into the ranch dressing and popping it in her mouth. “But they’re mine and I love them.” 

“Hey, you’re talking to the guy who shares DNA with Maks.” Val reminds her. “Trust me, I know crazy. Those kids aren’t even close.”

“You’re right. The crazy one is probably me, since I agreed to be your Snuffleupagus.” She teases, making his jaw drop.

“Ow.” He clutches his heart. “There’s no need for bullets, babe.”

Z laughs. “You know I’m kidding. I love your shoes way too much to ever regret my decision.”

“Good.” Val leans in and steals a kiss. “Cause I love your shoes back. More than anything.” He smiles when they pull apart. “You ready to work on this cha cha?”

“Ready to Do I Do it!” she quips with a grin.  

They clean up the mess from dinner before she takes him into the living room. The large area rug has been rolled up and every piece of furniture is pushed against the wall, leaving a good amount of hardwood flooring to practice on. Zendaya hooks up her iPod to the dock and sets their assigned song on repeat as they begin to work. Among other things, there’s an issue with a lot of unnecessary traveling and she’s having trouble keeping her balance during and after the multiple spins. She often winds up so disoriented after they stop she forgets what’s happening and loses count. Luckily it gets easier as they go. Val really is an incredible teacher, among other things, so he has plenty of tricks to help correct her mistakes.

They’ve been at it about an hour and a half when a loud crash can be heard from the second level, followed by a scream and the sound of someone crying. It takes all of a nanosecond for Zendaya to fly up the stairs, Val hot on her heels as they race to a hot pink bedroom. They find a large bookshelf nearly as tall as the ceiling lying face down on the floor, while Peyton and Brandon stare at the mess in horror. Both older children appear paralyzed with fear as Scarlett wails at the top of her lungs from her spot on the bed.

“Is anyone hurt?” Zendaya asks first, because that always takes precedence over any damage to the furniture.

Peyton shakes her head silently.

“Are you sure?” Z checks, and the young girl nods.

“We were just trying to reach my Camp Rock DVD and it was on the high shelf, so we stood on Brandon’s basketball and the whole thing fell over and we’re so sorry Aunt Daya. It was an accident I swear-”

“We really didn’t mean to!” Brandon adds nervously.

“It’s okay. It’s alright.” Zendaya scoops Scarlett up and hugs her. “Shh, it’s okay. You’re okay.” She murmurs soothingly. “It’s alright. Calm down. Shh.”

Val crouches down and examines the solid back of the bookshelf. From the current angle it appears fine, but there’s no telling what damage is underneath.

“What was on the shelves?” he asks Peyton.

“Um, a lot of movies, some pictures from summer camp last year, a few books.” She lists. “And my hairbrush.”

“You’re sure you’re not hurt?” he checks, glancing at the two oldest kids. “Nothing fell and hit you? You didn’t get bumped?”

Brandon shakes his head. “We jumped out of the way before it hit the ground.”

“Alright, good. Scarlett, are you okay?”

The toddler has dialed down her tears considerably. She sniffs.

“I okay Val.” She promises, wiping at her cheeks as she settles back onto the bed.  

“I think it just scared her.” Zendaya murmurs, and Val nods.

“Okay, I’m gonna lift this up. You guys all stand back.” He waits until all four of them are out of the way before pulling the bookshelf up and pushing it back against the wall. Immediately countless DVDs and other assorted items come spilling out in all directions, resembling hot lava erupting from a volcano. Zendaya and the two older kids slowly step forward, Peyton and Brandon looking over her belongings while Val and Zendaya assess the floor for any damage.

“I can’t find anything.” Zendaya says after a moment. “Luckily the second floor is carpeted so it doesn’t look like anything is messed up.”

“Yeah, it seems fine to me.” Val agrees. “Peyton, how’s your stuff?”

“Nothing’s broken except for this picture frame.” She holds up a cheap blue plastic frame cracked down the center. “But the photo inside is okay and I didn’t like the frame much anyway. I’m pretty sure mom got it at the dollar store. Everything else is just messy.”

Z nods and picks up her youngest niece. “Okay, well why don’t you guys start cleaning up while I put Scar to bed? I’ll be back in just a few minutes.” She tells Val, who waves her on.

“Take your time.” He steps forward and smiles at the toddler. “It was very nice meeting you Scarlett.”

“Boo!” she exclaims, and again bursts into giggles when he jumps.

“Can you give Val a kiss goodnight?” Zendaya asks, and immediately the tiny girl leans forward to press a slobbery kiss on Val’s cheek.       

“Night night Val. Lub you.”

Val feels his heart tighten a little as he responds. “I love you too Scarlett. Sweet dreams.” She blows him kisses over Zendaya’s shoulder as they exit the room and for a moment he just stands there and smiles. The revere ends quickly though, as he refocuses on the two remaining kids sorting through the gigantic pile of stuff on the floor.

“You should probably hold off on putting everything back on the shelves.” He tells them, moving over to check the bookshelf again. “The frame seems kind of unsteady, so for now how about we just set your things in the corner? Your dad can check it out when he gets home.”

Peyton nods. “Okay.” She agrees easily and the three of them begin stacking books and DVDs.

“So you and Aunt Daya are like best friends, right?” Brandon states after a moment or so of working in comfortable silence. “Like, I know Bella is her best friend too, but so are you now.”

“…Yeah.” Val says carefully. “Yeah, she’s one of the best friends I’ve ever had.”

“I think she likes you.” Peyton decides, tossing the cracked picture frame in her leopard print trash can, causing the older man to drop the pile of books he’d been gathering. “I mean like like. You know, in the love kind of way.” She shrugs. “And I think you like like her in the love kind of way too.”

“I- I mean, uh, what-” he sputters stupidly.

“It’s okay. I read on some message boards online about the rules and stuff. About how it’s not allowed until she’s a real grown up.” The ten year old tells him with a roll of her eyes. “But Aunt Daya is a total grown up. The rules are dumb.”

Brandon nods. “But you can’t change them. That’s why they’re rules. Even if they do stink. Like not being able to eat the entire box of cereal at once so you can get the prize at the bottom.”

“Yeah, that’s really dumb.” His sister agrees. “Anyway, I just thought you should know.”

“She watches Dr. Phil sometimes.” The boy explains to Val’s bewildered expression. “Plus she’s got straight A’s at school. She knows stuff.”

“Plus, your eyes totally give it away. Love with a capitol L.” Peyton shrugs. “So yeah. When you and Aunt Daya get married one day I’ll totally be there. Just like you’ll be there when I marry Nick, Joe, and Kevin.”

“Still married.” Brandon mutters.

“Still a fling.” She dismisses quickly. “Anyways. Other than that, how’s your day been going?”

It’s a small miracle that Zendaya chooses that moment to reappear, since Val is pretty sure his jaw is still on the floor.

“Scar’s asleep.” She announces, smiling at the pile of stuff in the corner. “Hey, you got it all done. Good job.”

“Teamwork makes the dream work.” Her nephew responds, getting to his feet. “Aunt Daya, are we gonna be in trouble?”

Z shakes her head. “No. It was an accident. I’ll make sure your mom and dad don’t punish you when they get back. You should go ahead and get in bed though. TVs can stay on for another hour and then go to sleep.”

Both kids let out sighs of relief and nod, moving to give their aunt a hug.

“Sorry again.” Brandon murmurs. Zendaya ruffles his hair.

“It’s okay. You didn’t do it on purpose.”

Peyton smiles a little. “Still sorry.” She turns to look at Val and then gives him a hug too. “Thanks for all your help. And the pizza.”

“Yeah, thanks.” Brandon echoes.

Val returns both hugs to the kids. “No problem. I’ll see you guys later.”

“Oh I think it’s definite that we’ll see each other quite a bit in the future.” Peyton grins knowingly as he follows Zendaya out the door and back down to the first floor where she drops down onto the couch.

“Well, I think that successfully knocked a few years off my life.” She decides after letting out a huge breath. Val takes a seat next to her and nods.

“Yeah, same here. I mean, I know I just met them a few hours ago but when I heard that crash I’m pretty sure my heart stopped.”

“As soon as it happened this image of the three of them being, like, crushed to death popped straight into my head, you know what I mean?” Z sighs. “I don’t know how Austin and Laura do it all the time. Heck, I don’t know how anyone does it all the time. I’d never feel prepared enough.”

Val shrugs. “I don’t really think anyone ever feels prepared enough to have kids, you know? It’s just more like eventually you decide you’re ready for the risk because you want to take that step. I’m not sure though, because I know I’m not ready for kids yet.”

“Me either.” Z glances down at her feet for a minute and then glances over at him. “Someday though.”

“Yeah. Someday.” He echoes, returning her smile. “Absolutely.”

“I’m gonna go check on them real quick.” Zendaya says after a comfortable moment of silence. “Just to make sure they’re doing what they’re supposed to.”

Val nods. “That’s probably wise.”

“Be right back.” This time she moves considerably slower ascending the stairs without the threat of injury or possible disaster in the forefront of her mind, and returns only a minute later.

“They’re all asleep. I think the craziness of the night wore them out.” She reports, finding Val standing in the middle of the living room. “What are you doing?”

“Come here.” He holds out a hand and gestures her forward.

Z shakes her head. “Val, I’m tired. I really don’t feel like working on the routine anymore tonight.”

“That’s not what we’re doing. Come on.” Again he extends his hand and this time she steps forward and takes it. Val pulls out the tiny remote for the iPod dock and presses play, causing Zendaya to realize during her quick journey upstairs he plugged in his phone. The opening chords of the song beginning to pour out of the speakers cause her to smile.

“Ohh, I love this song.”

The strands in your eyes that color them wonderful

Stop me and steal my breath

And emeralds from mountains thrust toward the sky

Never revealing their depth

  And tell me that we belong together

And dress it up with the trappings of love

I'll be captivated, I'll hang from your lips

Instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above 

Their stance resembles two middle school students as they rock back and forth, locked tight in each other’s embrace, but it doesn’t matter. Right now isn’t about frame or posture or technique. It’s just them, together, right here in this moment.

And I'll be your cryin' shoulder

I'll be love's suicide

And I'll be better when I'm older

I'll be the greatest fan of your life

“Those kids adore you, you know.” he murmurs.

Zendaya shrugs. “It goes both ways. And I saw the way they responded to you. That doesn’t happen with many people, trust me. The adoration extends way past me now.”

He’d be a damn liar if he said this didn’t make him ecstatic.

And rain falls angry on the tin roof

As we lie awake in my bed

And you're my survival, you're my livin' proof

My love is alive and not dead

“You’re gonna be an incredible mom someday. I mean it.” And he does, completely. He knows it for sure because this entire night watching her with Peyton and Brandon and Scarlett he hasn’t been able to stop picturing her with a different set of kids. Ones that look even more like her than this bunch and also have a touch of Russian mixed in to their features.

“And you’re gonna be an amazing dad.” She returns, grinning. “Sounds like we’re a perfect match.”

And tell me that we belong together

And dress it up with the trappings of love

I'll be captivated, I'll hang from your lips

Instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above 

A perfect match. He likes the sound of that. 

And I'll be your cryin' shoulder

I'll be love's suicide

And I'll be better when I'm older

I'll be the greatest fan of your life 

Maybe someday will come sooner than he thought. 

He can’t wait. 

end. 

The song at the end is called I’ll Be by Edwin McCain. Check it out. And don’t forget to review. I love you all.