Vera Sofia

“Oh, please. You’re hardly the worst. Not by a long shot.” Brooks shakes his head, nose scrunching slightly at Vera’s words. “Ha. Keep laying on the compliments and I might. Kidding, I’m kidding! You have nothing to be sorry about, so there’s nothing to be forgiven. My day was alright though. My immunology class is pretty interesting. I know it’s super nerdy or whatever, but you know I’ve always been pretty into science.” Veterinary school was no joke. Brooks was a smart guy and had always gotten good grades, but he definitely found himself working and studying harder the further he went into his education. He knew it’d all be worth it in the end though. “Oh, you know. Just a little of this, a little of that. I went to the grocery store after class. Don’t tell Matty, but I bought us an extra package of Oreos. They’re hiding in the top drawer of our dresser.” Brooks chuckles, shaking his head. “So you know, just another day in the Goldstein-Fiske-Oliver household.” 

Their life was a hectic mess full of fun and laughter, and Vera wouldn’t have it any other way. Some asked her how he managed it, living in an apartment with three guys, but the thing about Brooks, Matty and Milo is that they weren’t just some three guys but hers in a way she’ couldn’t quite explain it. Brooks and Milo had been her closest friends for as long as she could remember, and that hadn’t changed even as she stepped into a relationship with Brooks and Milo’s transition. And Matty, well, to love Brooks meant to love Matty too. They shared a soul. One didn’t exist without the other. They were all so different and yet they made it work so perfectly, their living arrangements, their friendship. “I love it when you get all into science. It is nerdy, but you somehow manage to make it sound hot, too.” Vera half joked because she did mean it. After all, Brooklyn Goldstein was, in fact, very hot. And so thoughtful. And perfect. “So what I’m hearing is, we have dessert waiting for us at home?” As fancy as the restaurant was, which she truly did appreciate, Vera had absolutely no issue with sharing a tray of Oreos back home if that’s what the night called out for them. “We know it’s only a matter of time before Matty finds it.” There was really not much that could stand between a Goldstein and a good snack, that was basic Goldstein 101. “But for now, we get to relax and enjoy a nice dinner. Do you have any recommendations?”

“Somewhere fancy.” Brooks says with a smirk, smiling against Vera’s lips. “We’ve both been working so hard lately, I thought we deserved a nice night out.” Which they did, even if Brooks had a little something extra planned. Not that he could tell Vera that, not yet. Brooks wasn’t sure how exactly he’d make it through dinner without seeming too nervous or like something was off. Vera knew him too well. He had to try though, because ruining the surprise wasn’t an option.

Fiddling with the radio stations, he keeps one on low, just enough to play in the background as they drive. “Hopefully dinner will be a nice distraction from your day. I think you’ll like this place.”

“I... gathered that, Brooklyn!” Vera laughed, shaking his head lovingly at her boyfriend not before brushing her thumb lightly against his cheek to wipe the soft stain left there by her lipstick from their kiss. Brooks was so mindful like this she really didn’t suspect anything out of the ordinary, not the fact that they were going somewhere fancy or that he was so dressed up. It all completely slipped her mind to think he was up to something because that was Brooks. He’d find ways to make up for their busy schedules and hectic life when it got a little out of hands. Reaching for his hand once they were in the car, the blonde laced their fingers together and smiled. “You’re a good distraction already, and I’m sure I will.” Of course she would. Anywhere with Brooks was perfect already. “I’m the worst girlfriend, I haven’t even asked how your day’s been with trying to get ready in time. I’m so sorry. Please, forgive me. Wanna tell me how your day’s been? What have you been up to, other than, you know, looking this handsome?”

Brooks was nervous. He had been pacing back and forth in the living room while he was waiting for Vera to finish getting ready, patting the spot in his coat pocket to make sure the box tucked in there hadn’t magically disappeared. Broken out of his thoughts by the sound of Vera’s voice, the brunette lets out a nervous chuckle, his gaze moving towards the hallway. “It’s alright, we still have plenty of time!” He calls back, though he still checks his watch to confirm. “Nah, it’s fine. Matty texted me that they’re going to our dads for dinner. I’m sure they won’t say no to leftovers though…if we have any. I dunno about you, but I’m starving.” Offering Vera his hand. Brooks overs her a smile, grabbing his keys with his free hand as they head out. “Long day? You can tell me all about it in the car.” 

Vera kissed her boyfriend’s cheek first thing as soon as she came out of the bedroom and took his hand, immediately brushing her thumb against the spot to clear the light stain of red lipstick she left. “What did I ever do to deserve you?” She half teased, mostly because she really still couldn’t believe how lucky she was to have fallen in love with her best friend and the best guy she had ever met. Brooks was so patient and caring. Even now as she made them late, he was still so calm and smiling. Not once did he make her feel hurried. She was doing that all to herself. “I am too. I’m not going to lie. There was an emergency faculty meeting, nothing major but definitely unexpected.” Vera tried to shrug it off. She didn’t want to bring work to their date so she offered Brooks an encouraging smile as she moved towards the passenger seat not before bringing her lips to his. “No more work tonight. I’m excited. You look so fancy with that coat. Where are you taking me, Goldstein?”

“Maybe this summer? I don’t plan on taking any summer courses, so…we could make it happen.” Brooks suggests, shrugging. They would make the time. Plus visiting family was always nice. Brooks loved visiting his uncles and his cousins in LA. “Oh, obviously. Is it even a trip to Disneyland if you don’t get a pair of ears? I think not!” He chuckles, grinning back at Vera. “Oh, we’re definitely gonna be the cute grandparents going on walking tours and embarrassing the hell out of our grandkids. It’s gonna happen.” Brooks didn’t have any doubt about that. He loved Vera and knew that they’d be together for a long time. His stomach grumbling interrupts his thoughts though and he chuckles, shaking his head at himself. “Let’s go get that pizza now, yeah? I’m hungry.”

“I could definitely make this summer work!” Vera had agreed to help her parents with looking after her little sister and little brother but she could always recruit her older brothers to help so she could do LA with Brooks. She had heard too many stories about his uncles’ place in LA and the promise of wearing matching Minnie and Mickey ears was just too good to pass. It made her smile—Brooks made her smile—how easy it was to make plans together, even if it was them joking about being 80-years old and having grandkids. “Our grandkids will be way too cute.” She wanted it all with Brooks even if they were still young and figuring life out. They were able to find the pizza spot easy enough, only a short walk from their hotel. They’re still waiting in line before their order is served and Vera’s arms wrap around her boyfriend’s neck, demanding all his attention with a kiss as a distraction, knowing just how hungry Brooks was. “Have I told you yet how happy I am we decided to do this road trip?”

“That sounds fun. Can’t forget California too — you’ve met my uncles in LA, right?” Brooks asks, sure that Vera has but unsure if it was during a trip to LA or when they had come to visit them in Nashville. “Either way, we should definitely go back to LA sometime. Maybe this summer, when I’m on break for school? We could go to Disneyland!” It was fun to dream, at least. Slipping his hand into Vera’s, Brooks kisses the side of her head as they head out of the room, swinging their hands as they walk. “You think we’ll hit all 50 states eventually? Might take some time, but…it’s doable.” 

“We should definitely pay your uncles Ez and Will a visit. I’ve heard stories about their place!” Vera grins teasingly. She didn’t need to leave a whole lot to her imagination either. She had been to the Scavo-Healy house in Nashville, after all. “I’d love to go to Disneyland! We’re definitely getting matching Mickey and Minnie ears. We’re so going to be that couple!” Vera knew Brooks wouldn’t protest either. He wasn’t the kind to shy away from doing couple-y things. It was adorable, really. This whole road trip being his idea in the first place only proved her point. “I think we have enough time to make it happen.” Giving his hand a light squeeze, she tilted her head and smiled. “We can always do senior couple tours when we’re retired to hit the one’s we’re missing. We have at least six more decades to get it done while we’re still able to walk without too much trouble! 80-something year old me will still be very much in love with 80-something year old you, I hope you know.” 

“Well...if you were in the mood for something else, then I would eat something else!” Brooks protests with a laugh, shaking his head. He would eat anything, but it was no secret that pizza was a Goldstein family favorite. “We can go out, do a little exploring after. We can walk around and check things out if we need like it. Lemme just text my family to let them know we made it first.” Even though Brooks was a grown man, he knew his parents still worried about him, and he didn’t mind texting everyone to let them know they were safe and sound. Fishing his phone out of his pocket, Brooks sends out a quick text to the family group chat before moving to his feet, offering Vera his hand. “Shall we?”

Vera stared back at her boyfriend with an amused look on her face. Anyone with a brain knew not to deny a Goldstein the option of pizza if and when presented to them. She wasn’t going to start either. She wasn’t going to risk it. Kissing the tip of his nose as she sat up, Vera nodded and watched Brooks text his family with a smile. She loved that about him, how unashamedly caring he was with everyone and everything. Letting her boyfriend pull her to her feet, Vera laced their fingers together as they walked. “We should do this.” She said almost out of the blue. “You know those photo frames in the shape of a map and we add a photo for each state? It sounds silly, but we should do one. We’re down three states now. Nashville, Kentucky and Ohio. I might be cute, right? Different states. Different ages.” Vera knew deep within her they would grow old together. Even if something happened and they ended breaking up, which she doubted, Vera was sure they’d still be friends. She wasn’t planning nor was she willing to give Brooklyn Goldstein up so easily. 

“Both?” Brooks teases with a laugh, shaking his head at himself. Laying down definitely hadn’t been his best move. “Uh…let’s see what’s near here.” Fishing his phone out of his pocket, the brunette sits up, pulling up a quick search of places within walking distance. “What’re you in the mood for? Pizza? Burgers? Tacos?”

"Is this a trick question?” The blonde pursed her lips as she tried to hide a grin, looking at her boyfriend with amused eyes. “Like you, Brooklyn Goldstein, would pick anything other than pizza if it was one of the options!” Vera knew Brooks long and well enough to know that was a fact. She really had no preference, though, mostly because she could never make up her mind when her boyfriend asked her to choose herself. “We can do pizza. Do you want to go out and find a nice place or order in? We can always do some touring later if you’re too tired now.”

“Hey!” Laughing as Vera pokes fun at him, Brooks quiets her with a kiss, tucking some hair behind her ear after he pulls away. “I love you too.” He murmurs back, cuddling closer to Vera on the bed. “You don’t have to thank me, babe. We deserve time to ourselves. I’m happy to be here with you too.” As much as they both loved living with Matty and Milo, Brooks was glad that they got to have some time just the two of them on this trip. They needed time on their own a a couple too. “Mm, we should get up and go explore. Maybe find a place to grab a bite to eat? What do you think?”

Vera felt like the luckiest girl and it wasn’t only when it was just the two of them together like this. Brooks made her feel so special all the time, so loved. He made everyone around him feel like that. She only hoped she made him feel the same way because he really did deserve it. “Are you trying to convince me or yourself? I’m ready to go whenever. You, mister, are the one who couldn’t wait to hit the bed.” The blonde teased, biting into her grin softly. “What do you feel like having?”

“I don’t mind driving, It was just an observation!” Brooks chuckles, shaking his head. Once Vera lays down beside him, he smiles, wrapping his arms around his girlfriend. “I’m good. A walk and some fresh air would probably do me some good….in a little bit.” Now that they were laying down, he didn’t want to get up just yet. “I’m glad we did this. I know school keeps me busier than I’d like, but there’s always time for us. I promise you that.” 

“You just don’t like my driving, admit it!” Vera teased though she was more than happy to let her boyfriend take the wheel. She was a slow driver and a little anxious one too but she managed herself well enough around town. Leaning a little over Brooks, Vera smiled. Their noses touched as she kissed him softly, shaking her head when he brought up school. “I know that, and I’m perfectly okay with school being a priority right now, babe. It’s just temporary and it’s your future. I’ll support you every step of the way.” They lived together now. It was harder before when seeing each other was a bit more difficult when they lived apart and their schedules didn’t really coincide often. “I’m glad we did this, though, because you really need a nice break from studying so much. I can see those frown lines start to form in your forehead from forcing your sight to read late at night.” She half teased, touching the spot she was referring to, then cupping his face and brushing her thumb softly against his cheek. “I love you. Thanks for this.”

“Always.” Brooks promises, smiling back at Vera. He meant it too. He’d always love her. He knew that now. A few hours (and a few stops) later, they arrive at their destination. After checking in, Brooks carries their bags up to their room, flopping down onto the bed once they’re inside. “What is it about driving distances that makes you so tired? Like, you’re sitting the entire time! I don’t get it.”

Vera laughed, their attention returning to the road ahead, the music playing on the radio, trivial but easy conversations that had always seemed to flow so easily between them. She never felt pressured to be something she wasn’t around Brooks; they knew each other so well. Watching him drop onto the bed the moment they walked into their room, though, she smiled. “I did ask offer to take turns...” The blonde raised her brow at her boyfriend but followed him into bed anyway, flopping beside him with an exhausted sigh. “The good thing is, we don’t have to be absolutely anywhere any time soon so we can rest for a bit.” Turning to face Brooks with a smile, Vera cuddled closer and shrugged, placing a kiss on his cheek.

“Please, you’re like the daughter my dads never had!” Brooks replies with a laugh, shaking his head. It was no secret that Vera was basically already part of the family, given that she had grown up with him, Matty, and Milo. They had been best friends for so long, and when they had started dating, not much had changed between them. Both of their families were happy for them, of course, and the fact that they all already knew each other so well certainly helped get rid of any awkwardness. It made Brooks happy that their families got along so well. “Yeah, Matty’s workouts are intense. I mean, I get it, but also, why? Sometimes you just gotta do some yoga or something.” He says teasingly, laughing at the mental image of his twin attempting to do yoga. “I don’t work out with him all of the time. You know me, I prefer running. Wonder where I got that from.” Brooks jokes, knowing full well he got that bug from his abba. They often went on runs together when he was growing up, and still did to this day. “That one dad definitely can’t claim. He hates running.” 

Vera loved Ethan and Brett. They had always been nothing but welcoming to her. Even if she wasn’t around half as much as maybe Milo had been, she had so many fond memories of their growing up together. Her friendship with Brooks and his brothers by association was something she treasured so dearly even when she didn’t even think being with Brooks was a possibility—even when she didn’t even think about being with her friend romantically. She just smiled genuinely, loving the fact that, somehow, by some crazy share of luck, they were her family now too. “I don’t think your brother can do anything like any normal person would do, though, that wouldn’t be Matty. He don’t do anything half way. He’s one extreme or the other.” Vera laughed, shaking her head. “Your dad will claim everything, babe.” Shaking her head, she leaned a little closer to rest her head on his shoulder as he drove. Brooks was perfect in her opinion. Maybe he wasn’t perfect in every way but he was perfect to her. “I hate exercising. I know I should do more of it but it’s just so tiring!” The blonde whined playfully. “I’m lucky to have a fairly okay metabolism but I’ve come to the final conclusion I’m not really into exercising with your brother or going on runs with you and your abba, as much as I love the company. Will you love me anyway?”

It was true that Milo had been crushing on Matty for as long as any of them could remember. It hadn’t been a very well kept secret among their friend group. Luckily, Matty enjoyed the attention and nobody made fun of Milo for it - not that Brooks would’ve stood for it if anyone tried. While they were all different people than they were in high school, the four of them were still the best of friends, even living together now that they had gotten the place for the four of them. It really was a perfect arrangement. “Aw, shucks, You’re gonna make me blush. Don’t let me dad hear you say that though, he’ll take all of the credit for our good looks.” Brooks jokes, laughing softly. Even though he clearly looked more like Brett than Ethan, he knew his dad would still try to take the credit over his abba. “I’ll take partial credit for the muscles though. Matty makes me do his workouts with him. I may not be a firefighter, but I’ve got arms like one!”

“Oh, but you look so cute when you blush!” Vera teased as she pinched his cheek lovingly, kissing the spot as she retreated back to her seat, laughing at her boyfriend’s words because she knew he was speaking facts. She had known the Goldstein family for many years before Brooklyn and her started dating and she had always been in love with their dynamic. It had been the first contact she ever had with a same-sex family, not really knowing anything else but that they were a true, unique and very, very happy family which she was now so excited to be part of herself. “I’m pretty sure your dad takes credit with or without me saying but I will still let it slip at some point because I do like being on his good side!” The blonde shrugged, lips pursed as she looked at her boyfriend. “Lucky me for that!” Wiggling her brows, she chuckled. It fit Matty to follow in his dad’s steps. He was, and always would be, she was sure, a bit of a daredevil. Her Brooks, though, he was a caretaker, a healer. His path fit his kind heart. She was so beyond proud of him. “I did the mistake of agreeing to work out with him once and, remember how much it hurt me to even lift a finger the next day? I learned my lesson but you should’ve given me a fair warning! He’s brutal. I don’t know how you do it.”

“You know what I mean though. Like Milo is Milo and Matty is Matty…I guess i never really pictured them as anything more than friends. Like don’t get me wrong, I think they’re really good together now that they are, but it definitely wasn’t a pairing I was expecting.” Nobody was, really, The way Milo and Matty had hit it off after his return from overseas had surprised everyone. They really did balance each other out though, and his best friend and his twin both deserved the happiness that they found together. “This is true. I mean, just ask my dads. They’re pretty different, and yet they’re perfect together.” Brooks adds, smiling at the kiss to his cheek. “I’d say that I’m pretty lucky too, you know. It’s not every day that you get to fall in love with one of your best friends.” 

“I know what you mean. I was a little surprised too, at first, mostly amused, really. How long has Milo been crushing on your brother? Hint, way longer than I’ve been crushing on you.” Vera smiled at her boyfriend, at the thought of Matty and Milo, at how happy they were now that they were all together again. She really never ever thought she’d be living with Brooks and Matty Goldstein, and Milo, in their adult age, and yet she couldn’t see it being any other way. Leaning her head on his shoulder, Vera just hummed. “Opposites attract. We’re not that different, you and I, though, I don’t think, but you’re my favorite person in the entire world, Brooklyn Goldstein. Always have been. Always will.” It was the truth, too. Brooks was the kind of person who had always been there for everyone, made sure everyone else was alright. From the moment they met, Vera had set her mind to be that person for him, too. “I’m also lucky my best friends are so good looking! I mean, look at these arms!” Vera teased, squeezing his bicep lightly.

“I’m sure Frida would enjoy a treat or two.” Brooks agrees, nodding his head. “Oh, any pets that come into our shared apartment definitely belong to all of us. I mean, I know Frida started out as Milo’s dog, but we all love her. I definitely walk her just as much as Milo or Matty do.” He says with a soft laugh, smiling a bit at the thought. Brooks remembered when Milo had brought Frida home. She had been so good for him, just the comfort and protection his best friend needed. “They’re doing really well, I think. Milo and Matty. It’s still a little crazy they’re together, but I think it’s really working out for them.” 

“Oh, don’t I know it!” Both her and Milo knew there was very little the twins didn’t share and they were okay to comply with most of it, really. It helped that they were all friends, too, and they found it easy to live together. The bond between the twins was unbreakable. She knew better than to let anything or anyone come between them. It’s why she loved and cared for Matty so much even if she hadn’t been so close to him as they grew up. To love Brooklyn Goldstein meant to love Matthew Goldstein and vice versa. “I don’t think it’s that crazy.” The blonde shrugged, smiling as she turned to look at her boyfriend. “Really. Think about it. Milo can be shy and, well, insecure. Matty can be impulsive and hot headed. They balance each other perfectly. It’s an unlikely match, sure, but it’s also a perfect match.” She kissed Brooks cheek, brushing her thumb on the spot where she left a stain from her lipstick until it was gone. “We can’t help who we fall in love with, you know. I’m just lucky I fell in love with the perfect man.”

Rubbing a hand over his face, Josef sighs, unsure of what to say. His feelings for Will were complicated. Josef knew he had to sort them out eventually, but that was something he’d have to do on his own. “I know. I will. I don’t want to get hurt again either. Fool me once, yadda yadda. It’s just…hard.” He wanted to believe that Will’s feelings for him were true, but his trust in the other man had been completely broken. He certainly had a lot of thinking to do. “I just need some time, that’s all.” 

Vera rested her head on her cousin’s shoulder, rubbing his back tenderly as he spoke, not quite sure what to say. She didn’t think there was anything she could say to make things better, or easier. “You have all the time, Joey.” She reassured him, hoping that was true. “Good things come to those who wait, right?” 

“Oh, we’re definitely gonna stop for touristy photos.” Brooks agrees with a grin, nodding his head. He was always down to stop and explore new places, it was practically in his blood as a Goldstein. As was wanting to adopt every animal he saw. “I’ll try my best, It’ll be hard though, you know now much I love animals. Matty’ll probably be pissed if I brought home a pet without him though, so you’ll have to keep an eye on me, make sure I dn’t sneak one out.” Brooks jokes, laughing softly. 

Vera squealed playfully at the promise of touristy photos. “We do make a very nice looking couple after all!” She often wondered how she hadn’t developed a crush on her best friend sooner but maybe that’s why their relationship worked so well when it finally took off. Vera had different priorities in High School, like making sure she earned good grades and a scholarship to lift some of the financial burden of college from her parents. Scrunching her face lovingly at her boyfriend, she laughed. “We can play with the kittens here and possibly find a little something to bring back to Frida instead of a new housemate.” The blonde grinned. “Why do I feel like, if we ever get a pet of our own, we’ll still have to share custody with Matty?”