"Why can't you just listen to what I have to say?"
"It's embarrassing mom and I don't want to talk about it anymore!" Elena screamed, slamming the bathroom door shut.
Toni sighed and ran her hand through her hair. She remembers when she first started her period too and she flipped out. Elena, on the other hand, was so mad and Toni couldn't understand why. Darren was going to be home in the next hour and she was sure he wouldn't be ready for this. Not at all. The thirteen year old was already the little princess he hoped she'd be but this new stage in her life was going to be the bomb that'd erupt his heart.
"I can try talking to her," Rory offered, walking up behind Toni. Micah was a shy boy, hiding behind his mother when Elena was upset. He quickly looked at Rory and nodded, anything to help his sister.
"You can try," Toni murmured, softly stroking Micah's hair. "Come on, baby boy, help me get lunch ready." Although he was twelve he didn't object to the endearment and followed his mother down the steps.
Rory stayed and took a breath before soflty knocking on the door. "Lena?"
"Go away, Rory."
"I just want to talk to you."
"I don't want to talk about it anymore!"
"I wasn't even gonna talk about that. Not yours. I'm not gonna badger you with advice or anyting."
There was a pause before the lock clicked and the door opened. Elena left back to sit on the toilet lid and watched as Rory walked in, closed the door, and smiled.
Rory was a new person. Ever since she faced her faults a few months ago, she's become more talkative and even the go-to sister. She was the new older sibling of the house-being all of seventeen now-since Joseph left to UCLA last week. She tried to up her smile but knowing he's gone and Leo will be leaving to SDSU the next week was hard for her.
"What were you gonna tell me?"
"Just about the time I started mine. I'm sure it'll make you feel so much better about your situation. If you wanna ask questions after, then by all means do it but for now just listen." She walked over to the tub and sat on the edge of it.
"I was your age and right in the middle of class I felt like I peed myself."
Elena'a eyes widened as she listened.
"It felt warm and gross and I was so ashamed of myself. I was so glad to have brought my jacket to tie around my waist and hide it. I asked to use the bathroom and when I got inside the stall...I fainted."
Elena tried to hide her laugh but a slight chuckle escaped her. "Fainted?"
"Yep, my teacher came looking for me and found me that way, helped me to the nurse and called dad."
"Dad?" she shrieked.
"Yes...Dad," she groaned. "Mom had some book signing for her second book and was across the state. Dad came and he looked more flustered than I did. He tried talking to me about it but it was useless. I got ahold of mom on the phone and talked to her about it. She said it was normal and as long as I knew how to regulate it I'd be fine. She told me all the tips and tricks so after I got off the phone with her I felt more secure about it."
"Uh...W-what did she say?"
There it was...the advice column of Rory's repertoire.
***
"I'll be back Thanksgiving break."
"That's four months away," she whined, clinging onto his neck. Leo leaned down and connected their lips, savoring every last second of it.
"I'm gonna miss you like crazy," he whispered, dropping the bag Toni had given him on the lawn and wrapping his arms around her waist. It was very early morning when Jeremy, Luna, Liam and Leo stopped by to say goodbye before leaving to SDSU. It was a good two hours away but that felt like light years for Rory.
They already had their steamy goodbye the night before and when Darren, Toni, Elena and Micah were getting their last goodbye's, Rory sprung out of bed so fast at the sound of his voice and caught him just as he was walking back to the car.
Rory gasped at the depth of the kiss he was giving her and all in front of their parents! "Leo, my dad's watching," she whispered, pulling away from him.
"So is mine and my mom," he shrugged.
Rory left one last teasing kiss on his lips before letting her hold on his go. "You better come back," she croaked, smoothing her hands down his arms.
"Of course I will," he whispered, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead.
***
"Sh, Toni, Sh."
How in the hell was she was supposed to be quiet when she was on the brink of a second orgasm? She buried her face in the pillow and cried out. She lifted her head just for a second to mewl at how good it felt. "Fuck," she sobbed and let her face fall back into the pillow. Three heavy strokes and she exploded. Her muffled moans and pants were hard to conceal. Darren deeply groaned and released, loving the way her hips felt in his hands and the view of her glistening back.
They cleaned up together and got into the bed in the nude. All the kids were out of the house-Micah at summer camp, Elena at a friends, Rory at her job at the bowling alley and Joseph off to college- and this meant sex. Lots of catch up sex.
"I love you, baby. Goodnight," Darren mumbled, kissing Toni's temple.
"Love you too," she whispered, nuzzling into him, seeking his warmth.
***
Thanksgiving break and Joseph was so glad to be home from school. It was hard work but basketball and the occasional party and hookup was what kept him grounded. He had made a few friends too. A close one being a short red-head girl that liked to be called Rosy. He couldn't stop thinking about her the whole drive back home.
It was last night that got to him because he still couldn't get over the fact that they had sex...for the second time. The first time they were pretty drunk but Joseph could remember every detail of what happened. Last night though happened completely sober and overly confusing.
Rosy told Joseph on the third day they knew each other that she was all for the occasional hookup and never got truly intimate with her past lovers. Last night proved something entirely different...
As Joseph slowly moved inside her he couldn't help but moan. A moan that was caught in Rosy's lips. This time, like the last, she held his lips captive the entire time they pleasured each other. Unless she really needed to say something, she was kissing him and loving every second of it.
It shocked Joseph when she pulled away and panted as one of her hands grasped the hair on his nape while the other imprinted on the curve of his back. Her hooded brown eyes looked into his as she panted, "I'm gonna miss you"...
Now that Joseph was home he regretted leaving. He loved his family and missed them terribly but he wanted to be with Rosy right now . He shook his head at his far away thoughts and closed the trunk of his car.
He smiled as he looked up at his home and walked towards the door. Loud music was playing as he opened the door to see his parents practically grinding on each other in the middle of the living room.
He was happy his parents were still together and loving each other after all these years. He was even happier he could call them his parents.
He had slight memories of Kyle, Rory's real father, but all he could remember was how mean and abusive he was to his mother. He also remembered the first time meeting Darren and the first time calling him 'Dad'. They were both crying that night and so was Toni who was peeking at the scene behind the door. He knew now that Darren was his biological father through a long family talk when he was younger.
"Hey!" he yelled out, a smile on his face.
Both Toni and Darren stopped and stared at their son. Toni shrieked and turned off the stereo, bolting towards her son. "Oh baby!"
He laughed, wrapping his arms around her, "Hey mom."
"How have you been? How's school going? Have you met anyone? You barely call anymore. That makes me feel-"
"Toni!" Darren chuckled, using way too much strength to physically remove his wife from Joseph.
"I miss my baby," Toni pouted, crossing her arms over her chest while Darren set her beside him.
"How's it been going?" Darren smiled, clapping his son on his back and gesturing him towards the living room so they can talk.
"Fine, just a bit stressed out between classes and ball."
Toni scoffed, "I'm sure that's not all he's doing."
Darren nudged her and rolled his eyes, "And so what? We've made a nice looking son"
Joseph couldn't help but smile at the two of them. "Guys, I'm not gonna lie and say I haven't had my fun but I'm getting good grades and I work hard on the court so..."
Toni grumbled, "I sure do wish you were a monk."
Darren shook his head, "Your mom might be worried and has good reason to but we just want you to be safe and make the right decisions."
"Where was this wonderful advice when I was laid up with you?" Toni mugged, almost glaring at Darren. She couldn't help but want to stick her talons into her sons shoulders and drag him away from the freedom that was college. She wanted her eldest back home and she most definitely didn't want Darren encouraging his doubtless promiscuity.
"You guys are too funny," Joseph chuckled, "Where's Elena and Rory?"
"Elena is out visiting my mom for the day," Toni replied, "Rory is up in her room sulking."
"What do you mean? Wait, is she seriously that upset over Leo coming a day late?" he chuckled, "I talked to him about it yesterday but I didn't think it was that serious."
"She really likes that boy," Toni sighed, leaning into Darren who looked bothered at the thought.
Joseph couldn't help but mumble, "He seems pretty pussy-whipped too."
"Joseph!"
"What!"
Both Toni and Darren said at once.
His eyes widened, "Please forget I said anything."
"I may be a bit old but I'm not stupid. You have ten seconds to explain," Darren mumbled, his eyes slits on Joseph's face.
"Dad-"
"Darren don't overreact. She's a young lady and she's very responsible-"
"You expect me to be okay with my little girl having...Oh my god."
"Baby, please calm down. I've already had this talk with Rory and I trust her."
"Toni," he pleaded with her, "you didn't think I should've been involved in that talk?"
"Look at how you're reacting right now. This is exactly what she didn't want."
He quickly stood up and made his way toward the stairs, "Oh you think she's sulking now..."
"Darren!"
***
Rory wanted to bite Joseph's head off. "Don't you just hate when people get involved in your business, mom? Jeez, it just boggles my mind."
It was tense at the dinner table. Three days after the whole debacle and Rory still wasn't over it. Leo still wasn't home for break and that added on to her irritation.
Joseph took another bite of his salmon, ignoring Rory's gaze. "Why did you send Micah to art camp again?" he mumbled to his mom who was trying to be sympathetic towards her daughter and not laugh at her son.
"He likes it and he's good at it."
"Sure but I won't be able to see little man 'til Christmas. What kind of camp extends through the fall anyway?"
"One that has enough funds to have a school there at the same time."
Joseph sighed, glancing at Elena who was awfully quiet. "What's up with you?"
She smiled sickly sweet at him, "Oh, nothing dearest brother of mine."
The doorbell rang and Toni smiled, "Why don't you get that, Aurora?"
Rory smacked her lips, "Why me? Elena has legs."
The girl in question grumbled, "Put a sock in it, Ror."
Rory just rolled her eyes and stood from the table. She pulled at her white cotton shorts and fixed the muscle tee Leo had left at her place the night before he left.
She pulled open the door and instantly broke into a smile. "Leo!"
Leo couldn't help but laugh at her expression. He opened his arms for her, his car keys in one hand and a small gift bag in the other. She lunged for him and wrapped her arms around his neck. He held her close and smiled into her shoulder.
"I missed you so much."
"I missed you too, Rory. I hope you're free for the rest of the night."
She pulled her head back to stair up at him and quirked an eyebrow, "What do you have planned, playboy?"
"Nothing like that you closet freak," he chuckled, "Now shh so I can kiss you."
Rory beamed and offered her lips to his. The kiss was sensual and although it was short lived, at the end of it, her lips were plumped, breathing hitched, eyes glazed, and proud smile feeling Leo's hardness press against her lower belly.
"Aurora?"
Her eyes widened at hearing her dad's voice approaching along with his footsteps.
"Leo, my dad knows we're having sex," she rushed out, quickly killing Leo's mood, "Joseph has a big ass mouth. He might ask questions but please just keep calm okay because if you freak out then he'll freak out. Okay?"
"U-uh...okay."
She reached up and pecked his lips, "Good luck, baby." Rory quickly turned, dragging Leo inside. "Leo's here!"
Darren wanted to snap but kept calm when he saw Leo and Rory holding hands. Joseph rushed to the foyer to join and bro clapped Leo whispering 'Dude, I'm so sorry' into his ear before letting him go.
"Leo, can we talk?"
"Daddy, please-"
"Rory," Toni cut her off, joining the rest of them. She seemed kind of tired of the subject but wanted to ease Darren's nerves. "Let him."
Rory groaned and looked at her dad, "Don't scare him away or I'll call Luna."
Leo nervously laughed, "It's fine, Rory."
Rory leaned up and whispered so only he could hear, "I have a surprise for you after. You know I get impatient."
Leo gulped and couldn't help but stare after as she left towards the steps. Oh shit he thought as he watched her look over her shoulder, bite at her lip and sashay her perfect ass in those shorts.
No one really knew what he was staring at but when Joseph looked Rory flipped him off. He cuffed Leo at the back of his head and Darren had a pretty good guess so he snapped his fingers in Leo's face, biting out 'Eyes up here'.
After settling in the living room Leo was sitting on the love seat across from Darren and Toni. Toni kept quiet but Darren was ever persistent. His questions started light and then they just got deep. Leo blushed plenty and stumbled over his words lots. His answers varied from: No. Yes. Of course. I know. Promise.
When Darren gave the longest speech about Aurora's future and his expectations from Leo, he gave the simplest response that shut Darren up real quick. "I...I really like her."
They let him go to Rory after that. He expected to find her on her phone or bouncing on her bed waiting for him, maybe even in mild states of undress. What he didn't expect was to open the door and find her laid out on her bed in very appealing undergarments and her hand down her panties.
She rolled her head to the side and lazily smiled at him.
"Leo, baby, you mind turning on the stereo?"
"Uh...Uh, okay." He closed the door behind and flicked on the switch to the stereo. Hozier's Work Song started playing and Leo stared at Rory in awe. He set the small gift bag at the end of the bed and nervously scratched at the back of his neck.
"Don't let me do this on my own," she sensually pouted and nodded for him to come closer. Leo lifted the shirt from his head as he made his way towards her. She took her hand out of her undies and sucked on one of her fingers.
Leo's eyes widened and he internally groaned. She was trying to kill him. He crawled on the bed and got between her legs, holding himself up by his outstretched arms.
"Now, how long has it been? Four, five months?"
"Four," he responded.
She lifted her arms to wrap them around his neck and pulled him down. "Then come on, champ," she giggled and enveloped his lips in her. She moaned, "I missed you so much."
Leo sighed against her lips and lowered his body onto hers. She was so soft and it amused him how much of a little minx she was.
He removed his lips from hers and sat her up, leaving hot kisses on her neck while he removed her bra. He kissed at her collar bone, drawing a whimper out of her and getting nails sunk into his shoulders. "You're so beautiful," he whispered over her skin and kissed her lips again.
It was never asked or ever defined but what they had was definitely a relationship. One that they both enjoyed and looked forward too. They didn't just stay in the sheets most of the time but while he was away they'd share late calls where they'd tell about their days and encourage each other to try new things. They'd skype when Rory needed help with her work or just wanted to see the others face and that's what they both loved about whatever this was.
The time in the bedroom was just the icing on the cake.
***
Joseph couldn't concentrate on his phone call with Rosy when Aurora's music was blasting in the room next to his. He wasn't surprised that his parents couldn't hear because they were in a different wing of the house by now and Elena was the heaviest sleeper alive.
He groaned, telling Rosy he'd call her back later and headed to Rory's room to tell her to quiet the music. He didn't knock, because he'd always been intrusive, but he sure wish he did.
He could've gone without the image of his sister and friend going at it his entire life. His eyes widened at the sight of Rory on top of Leo, her head thrown back and Leo clutching her backside over the sheet encasing her hips. He made a gagging noise and quickly shut the door, wiping his hand over his face.
"I'm scarred," he muttered and made his way back to his room.
***
"O-oh!"
Her second release swept through her in a surprising rush of pleasure. With Leo now on top of her the feeling was deeper and much more intimate.
Leo's breathing was harsh and his body misted in sweat. With their foreheads pressed together and gazes locked, he came, letting out a stuttering moan an his eyes slowly closing.
Rory lazily smiled at his expression and tilted her head to softly peck his lips. She used a hand to wipe the moistened hair from the side of his face and kissed him again. "I'm so glad you're home," she whispered and nuzzled her nose to his.
His eyes fluttered open and he smiled down at her but it was quickly replaced with a frown, "What's wrong?" He gently removed himself from inside her and wiped at her cheek.
She was so disoriented that she didn't even realize she had been crying. "Nothing." It hit her so fast. It came out of nowhere but staring up into Leo's eyes as he showed such a vulnerable side of him made her heart almost ache. She liked him of course and always had a little crush on him but this feeling was too deep for words and too strong to show, in fear of getting hurt
He lifted himself off of her and made quick work of the condom, throwing it away in the bin beside the bed.
"Was it something I did?"
She shook her head and rolled over to her side in a fetal position.
"Rory, talk to me."
"I don't feel well."
Leo knew she was lying but the way her voice trembled and the way her body was laid, he knew she was hurting and it hurt him even more that she wouldn't tell him.
"Okay. I'll just. I guess I should go," he whispered. "I know your dad doesn't want me staying the night," he nervously added.
He turned off the stereo and slipped into his clothes. He picked up the small gift bag and placed it on her bedside table.
She watched him do this and squeezed her eyes shut at the emotions threatening to break through.
He grabbed her blanket and lifted it over her body before pressing a gently kiss to the side of her face. "Goodnight." He flicked off the light on his way out.
Rory felt odd and had to force herself to sit up and reach for the little gift bag. The first thing she grasped was a card and once she opened it, instantly knew it was Leo's writing.
Aurora,
I know you trust me and I, you but I know you're still afraid. You feel as though since I'm away you can't watch over me or keep me from doing things stereotypical college kids do. I can promise you that I don't need watching because every decision I make here is based on my thoughts on how it would affect you and my family. I'd never do anything to hurt you, Rory. You mean so much to me and I'd never do anything to risk losing you. I promise to never jeopardize what we have and I promise to always come back to you.
, Leo
Rory couldn't help but tearfully smile down at the letter and let out a hardy laugh. Of course he knew how she felt. She was an open book. Years of therapy taught her to let out her feelings, not physically but emotionally.
She reached into the bag again and brought out a square velvety box. Gasping at her prior knowledge of what lie inside such shapes, she opened it and her mouth dropped. Her birthstone was set simply and beautifully in a ring. A small piece of paper fell out and before it hit the ground, Rory caught it and smiled as she read it.
Promise?
She never moved so fast in her life. Making quick work to put on her clothes and grab the box she ran out of her room, down the stairs, and out of her house.
She caught Leo just as he was opening his car door.
"Wait!"
He jumped a little at her shriek and looked up to see he frantic expression.
"Rory."
She ran to him and wrapped her arms around him, "I'm sorry."
"Sorry for what? No need for you to be sorry," he whispered, holding her close.
"You're right about what you wrote, I'm scared."
"You don't have to be scared either. I'm right here, even if I'm away."
That was just scratching the surface, her fear lie deeper than that but that was a discussion for another day.
She pulled away, leaned up and kissed him, "I like the ring."
"I hoped you would," he smiled and kissed her forehead.
She unwrapped herself from around him and showed him the box, opening it and grabbing the ring. She slipped it on her right ring finger and beamed up at him. "How'd you know my ring size?"
"I had help from an inside source."
"Hm, I suspected something when my mom wanted me to try on her wedding ring. Perfect fit."
He lightly chuckled and banded his arms around her waist, "I still have plans for us tomorrow."
"Does it include food?"
"Always for you."
"Then I'm game."
***
Elena wanted to snap her "best friend's" neck. How dare she tell? How dare she even think of going up to him and...Gah! This is the worst feeling she's ever gone through besides those retched period cramps.
Now here she was outside of her school, with the object of her obsession staring down at her.
All brown skin and hazel eyes with the sweetest smile, Chris was the cutest boy she'd ever seen. He was new to the school this year and them both being in the eighth grade gave them the advantage of knowing of each other without ever actually talking.
"Mila told me you liked me."
Thanks "best friend"
"I," she nervously laughed, "She's just...She's silly."
"Oh...So it was a joke or something?" The smile on his face dropped and confusion etched on his face.
Elena was quick to stumble over her words. "No...Uh, yes! I meant that she-"
"It's fine," he nervously laughed.
"Chris, I ... I really do like you its just that... Um,"
He smiled and she nearly melted. Oh god he is so fine.
Her moms fangirl vocabulary was rubbing off on her.
"Have you read Paper Towns." He randomly asked.
"Uh..Yeah."
"You wanna go see the movie. Preferably with me ?"
Her cheeks warmed over and her smile became shy. "Yeah. I'd like that."
He bit at his lip, contemplating, before quickly leaning down to kiss her cheek. "Talk tomorrow?"
"O-okay."
Elena was beaming when Rory picked her up and since Rory had that same giddy look on her face , she knew exactly why.
"There's a boy."
Elena sputtered her response, "What? No!"
"Mhm, wait 'till I tell Dad."
After the next extra chapter I'm thinking of putting this story into the wattys 2015. I will be editing between now and the next week to better the reading experience. What do you guys think?