_______________________________
You gave me a lot without even trying
A friend, a brother, a sister, another mother
Thank you, thank you
I'm so glad we got this second chance to just be
Together
______________________________
Bi-Curious
Chapter 48
"Together"
Charlie
"Ethaaaaaaaaaaaaan, what if she hates me?" I pace. "What should I wear? Oh my gosh, Ethan."
"She won't hate you." Ethan leans against the door frame. "Wear what you'd wear hanging out with any other friend. Kaisley is the last person who'll care about fashion. Why do you want to meet her again anyway?"
"Because she's going to be my sister. I've always wanted a sister. And I want your whole family to love me. Kaisley is the only member that I haven't won over with my charm."
"That's cause she's gay, Char." Ethan chuckles. "She'll love you, I'm sure of it. Nobody could not love you."
I pout. "I hope so."
Ethan places his hands on my hips. "You belong in my family. She'll see just how happy you make me and she'll know that's true."
"What's her favorite stuff?"
"You'll need to be more specific." Ethan chuckles.
"Activities, food...?" I bite my lip.
Ethan nods. "She's way into sports, been playing her whole life, specifically basketball, soccer, and volleyball. She skateboards. Her favorite food is sub sandwiches piled high with tons of shit. Like, tons. It's disgusting. She likes sushi too. Loves soda."
"We'll do everything!" I bounce. "Let's get her."
"Okay, cupcake." Ethan smiles and grabs his keys.
I smile and follow him. "Is she hard to impress?"
"I'd say so." Ethan nods as we get in the car and drive off.
Biting my lip, I contemplate what to do. I should definitely be myself. I'm good at volleyball, but I get a little competitive, so that might not be the best. "She won't try and take advantage of my need to please, will she?"
"Not if she doesn't know about it." Ethan bites his lip. "She'll try to take advantage of anything, your money too, so watch your spending."
"Aaaaa, females are so scary." I cry.
Ethan rolls his eyes. "No, they're not, baby. We aren't that different." He takes my hand. "Just relax. I'll tell her off when it's needed."
"Okay." I exhale and pat myself down. "I have my anxiety medicine, right?" I keep searching for the bottle until I find it.
"You've got everything you need." Ethan reassures me as we pull into his family's driveway.
I whine. "You weren't this nervous meeting Xaaaaan."
"I don't have anxiety." Ethan pets me. "You're gonna do great. One step at a time, right, love? First step is to get outta the car, okay?"
Nodding, I follow. "I'm glad you're here too." I grab his hand once we're out.
Ethan squeezes mine. "Me too." He smiles and goes up to knock on the door. Kaisley opens it. Her hair is down and she's wearing a short sleeve shirt with the anarchy symbol on it and shorts. On her feet are black vans and over her shoulder she carries a mini backpack instead of a purse.
"Hey. I'm ready for our day out." She puts some chapstick on before sticking it in her pocket. "You still look pretty even when you're not dolled up." She mentions to me.
I blush. "Thank you. I think you're pretty. Definitely a Dechart."
"Really?" She raises her eyebrows. "I-uh-thanks."
"Really." I grin. "So, what do you want to do today? We could get lunch, do some activities, and you could help prepare the dinner picnic."
"I'm down for lunch." She smiles.
"Thank goodness." Ethan rubs his stomach. "I'm so hungry."
"You're always hungry." Kaz chuckles and Ethan flicks her ear.
"You're one to talk. You can put away double what I eat and you'll still end up ninety pounds."
Kaz punches Ethan's arm, "Fuck off! I'm gaining muscle weight now." She sticks out her tongue.
Giggling, I grab Ethan's hand. "Do you want to go to a sub place or a Japanese place?"
Kaz narrows her eyes.
"Whatever you want, babe." Ethan shrugs and Kaz pokes his chest.
"Did you brief him on me?"
"Sorry, I was anxious."
She nods. "That's fine. I get that. Do you want some gum? I like to chew when I'm upset. Helps me not bite my cheeks."
"I'll try it." I smile. "Thank you."
"No problem." She smiles back and hands me a piece.
"Let's get going." Ethan smiles and we all get into the car. "So, which place?"
"It's up to Kaisley."
"Hmm. I haven't had Japanese in ages."
"Sounds good to me." Ethan nods.
I put the address into the gps and hum. "Do you just want sushi or do you want it as a side?"
"Just sushi." She says.
"I'm getting chicken fingers." Ethan smirks.
"From a Japanese place?" I ask. "Just get some sushi or a rice bowl, babe."
"I don't really eat seafood. I guess a rice bowl is fine." Ethan shrugs.
"His taste buds are pathetic and uncultured." Kaz says. "It's truly sad."
"I guess I now know to never cook seafood for you." I sigh. "I'll just have Ry and Kaisley over instead."
Ethan pouts.
"What? You don't like it. So I'll never have seafood pasta with you."
"Do you like it a lot?" Ethan asks.
"My recipes? Yes. You know how much I love to feed you."
"Maybe I can give it another shot, for you."
"Do you have that feeding kink?" Kaisley asks.
I almost choke on the gum.
Ethan pats my back. "No, Kaz, don't ask about his kinks again or Mom will hear about it."
Kaisley grumbles. "It was just a question."
"She's just in that stage of being curious." I calm down. "No, I don't have that kink."
"Has Mom had the talk with you yet?" Ethan asks her and she scoffs.
"Yeah, like three years ago, dingus."
I grin. "Don't let Ethan make you feel bad. He was probably worse."
Ethan gasps and Kaisley giggles.
"Exploration is great and lessens the chance of you turning out like Ethan." I chuckle. "It's nice to feel comfortable in your sexuality sooner rather than later."
Kaz nods. "Yeah, totally. Ethan's an idiot."
"Hey!"
"Your boyfriend is on my side now so don't even try." Kaz smirks boldly.
I giggle. "Ethan, I love yoooooou." I grab his hand as we get closer to our destination.
Still pouting, Ethan kisses my hand.
"I like your new tattoo by the way." Kaz tells me. "It looks sick."
"Which one?" I grin, showing off both of them.
"The pirate skull for sure, but that's pretty too."
"We got matching ones." Ethan shows her his.
"Woah," she looks between us. "You must be really serious about him."
Ethan nods. "He's the love of my life. We hope to marry."
I smile. "Ethan drew the pirate tattoo for me and he tattooed his initials on me." I gush.
Kaz grabs my arms and looks closer. "Damn."
How close she's looking makes me a little nervous and I just laugh it off. "Yeah. I'm pretty reckless."
She releases me. "I can't wait to get tattoos. I have tons planned."
"I bet you'll hate all of them by the time you're eighteen." Ethan mocks.
"Will not." Kaz huffs.
I chuckle. "Do you hate any of your tattoos?" I ask, doubting that he does since most of them mean something.
"Nope." Ethan shakes his head. "But if I'd gotten all the ones I planned at fourteen I would."
"It's nice to dream."
"Yeah, for sure." Ethan agrees and we park.
"You guys are paying, right?" Kaz asks.
"Definitely." I bounce. "I don't want you to stress about anything. I just want to get to know each other."
"Cool." She smiles and we all get out.
I get us a table and grin.
"What would you like for a drink?" The server asks.
Kaz orders a Japanese soda and Ethan gets water.
I order a taro slush with boba and order some sushi for an appetizer.
They nod and leave and I look at the siblings. "I'm honestly really nervous of fucking up."
"In front of me?" Kaz asks. "Dude, I don't think that's possible. You're so sweet, like sickeningly sweet. And you're funny. What could go wrong?"
"I didn't think you liked me." I blush.
Kaz looks puzzled. "Why?"
I play with the utensils on the table. "When I was over for dinner, we didn't talk much and I thought you didn't like me because I showed up in dress clothes."
"I'm not good around strangers." Kaz says, surprising me with her honesty. "People usually never get a good first impression of me. I didn't really know how to talk to you. And the clothes comment was just me making fun of you, but I didn't mean it in a mean way. That's just how we are." She looks at Ethan. "I didn't realize I should treat you different, I guess. It probably did come off rude."
"Well, I'm overly analytical and I wanted the family to like me." I hide my face. "You don't have to behave differently around me. I want to know you."
"Nobody ever really notices me. Especially not Ethan's friends." She plays with her hands.
I look into her eyes. "I notice you and I want to be friends."
"But you're so old."
Ethan cuffs her.
"Well, like, in a big brotherly way. Sorry. I probably sound creepy. I just have always wanted a little sister."
"You want one until you have one." Ethan mutters and Kaz glares at him.
"Shut up, I know you love me."
"Mm, maybe a little." Kaz glares more and Ethan breaks, chuckling. "Okay, a lot."
Kaz smirks and turns back to me. "I think you're a pretty cool guy, Charlie. I wouldn't mind being your sister-in-law."
I light up. "Really?"
"Yeah." Kaz chuckles.
"You won't regret it." I beam. "I'm good at cooking and baking and I can help you out if you're ever in trouble and you're scared of how some people may react." I give Ethan a look.
"Thanks." She smiles.
Ethan pats my shoulder. "See? I told you it'd go well."
"I'm glad." I giggle and perk up once our drinks and sushi arrives.
"Do you know what you'd like to order?" The server asks.
Kaz orders her sushi and Ethan lets me order for him since he's apparently unable to do so himself.
"One order of spicy kimchi ramen and a chicken rice bowl," I order and the server smiles before leaving.
"Fuuuuuuck, this drink is so good."
"Let me try." Ethan grabs it.
"Don't choke on the boba." I giggle and let him drink it.
"Mmm." He flutters his eyelashes. "That is good."
Kaz chuckles and sips her soda. "You're such a dork."
"Am not!" Ethan puffs out his cheeks.
I kiss his cheek. "My dorky cowboy."
"Noooo, I'm not a dork." Ethan pouts and Kaz laughs.
"You're still into all that cowboy stuff? Wow."
"Don't start." Ethan glares.
"Aww, Kaisley, don't judge him. I think he's sexy." I giggle and grab his hand.
"Ew! No, no sexy!" She fake pukes.
Ethan just smirks and kisses me.
I kiss back. "You say that, yet you seem interested in my kinks, which I'd participate in with your sexy brother."
Kaz puts her fingers in her ears. "La, la, la, la!"
"She's funny." I giggle. "I'm surprised she didn't say 'kinky.'"
"Oh my god, babe, you gotta let that one go."
"But it was so cuuuuuute."
Ethan shakes his head and Kaz slowly pulls her fingers back out.
"I wanna spoil her."
"Be careful. Remember what I said." Ethan reminds me and Kaz claps when our food gets here. She starts eating immediately.
"This is great, guys, thanks." She says with her mouth full.
I smile. "You're welcome." I rub Ethan's stomach. "If you need more food, tell me, babe."
Ethan smiles and kisses my cheek. "You wanna feed me too, Mama?"
"I thought I was Daddy," I tease.
Ethan slaps his hand over my mouth as Kaz spits out her soda.
"What?"
My face warms up and I just start speaking Italian to confuse her.
Ethan puts his head in his hands and Kaz scoffs.
"You two are fucking weirdos."
"So judgy." I stick my tongue out.
She sticks hers out back.
Ethan just chuckles and eats his rice bowl.
I just return to my ramen. "You're just jealous that we're so kinky."
"Why would I be? People get kinky when their vanilla sex gets lame. So that means you have no spark." She clicks her tongue.
I pout. "We have spark."
"Definitely." Ethan kisses my temple. "Don't listen to her, Charlie, she's never even been in a relationship."
I hug his arm. "Do you feel a spark when you look at me, Ethan?"
He cups my cheek and our eyes meet. "I feel a whole fire."
My face warms up. "You're my sun."
"You're my world."
Blushing further, I kiss him.
He kisses back, licking my lips when it's over. "You taste spicy."
"Sorry." I giggle.
"I like it." Ethan promises.
"Cutie." I ruffle his hair. "Now, eat your food. I wanna do more stuff with Kaz—Kaisley."
"Kaz is fine." Kaisley shrugs.
I grin. "Thanks. So, what do you want to do after this? Go to the skate shop or something?"
Kaz perks up. "You'll buy me things?"
"W-Within reason." I remember Ethan's warning.
"I did break my board the other day." She breathes through her teeth. "It'd be nice to get a new one. Do you skateboard?" She gets excited.
"No, but I'd be willing to learn. I play volleyball and I was in gymnastics for a long time and I'm thinking about somehow getting back into them." I scratch my head.
Did she break her skateboard or did someone else?
Kaz smiles. "I used to play volleyball! It was really fun in middle school but..." the light in her eyes dims. "...not anymore. I'd totally take you on though."
"Our school has a volleyball team don't they?" Ethan says. "It's all women right now but i don't think there's any rules against co-Ed."
I blush. "I prefer the all boys teams." I wiggle my eyebrows. "The high school has girls' volleyball and boys' volleyball. I think they have a co-ed one they're trying to start. You could join the boys' team or the new one." I gage Kaz's reaction.
She furrows her brows, thinking about it, but seeming to run into an obstacle. "I could try, I guess."
I feel protective of her. "Can your backpack hold a skateboard?"
"It'll stick out at the top, but yeah. Why?" She looks at Ethan. "Are we gonna steal one?"
"I'll buy you a backpack with the clips. And if another person breaks your skateboard, then I'll show up at the school."
Kaz shrinks. "What? I didn't say anyone broke it. Please do not show up. Jesus, that'd be so embarrassing."
Rolling my eyes, I take a sip of my drink. "Bullying is lame as fuck."
"I'm not being bullied, Charlie." Kaz snaps, angry.
"Sorry." I look down, wanting to disappear.
"It's whatever." She huffs. "I'm not some kid who can't handle herself. I don't need two overprotective assholes on my ass."
"He's only trying to be nice, Kaisley, don't fucking talk to him like that." Ethan scolds and she sighs.
"Sorry, Charlie."
"Sore subject." Ethan whispers.
"I don't want them getting worse," I whisper. "Teen girls are scary. Maybe I should sneak pepper spray into her backpack."
"She has some." Ethan smirks. "She's a tough kid." He says, though he still looks at her worriedly.
"There were a lot of girls who were very toxic towards me in high school," I confess. "I was treated like an accessory rather than a person. Ethan could tell you how it still happens. And there were some guys who wanted to fuck with me because of my sexuality."
"That sucks." Kaz frowns. "Should I show up on your campus too? I can be pretty intimidating." She smirks.
"Ethan scared them off by saying he's my boyfriend." I giggle. "But sure."
"That's all it took?"
"Apparently." Ethan sips his drink, looking embarrassed, probably remembering that night and how we weren't even together yet.
"It was pretty hot."
"Really?" Ethan questions me.
"Yeah. You didn't even 'like' me yet. I became attached. There were a lot of them, so y'know..."
He kisses my cheek.
I giggle. "Sweetbutt."
He raises his eyebrows. "Sweetbutt?"
Kaz laughs. "That's the worst nickname I've ever heard."
"He's got a bangin' ass, Kaz."
"Ugh, unfortunately." She sighs. "At least you didn't have to live through years of hearing his bangin' ass literally banging ass."
"I wish he banged my ass in his room."
"Eww, no, don't talk about that." Kaz shakes her head.
Ethan just chuckles and whispers, "Maybe I will."
I bounce. "We're not eeeew. We're so cute."
"You're cute when you don't make me imagine my brother having sex."
"That's hard because he makes me hard." I laugh.
Kaz gets up. "I think I need to go to the bathroom. To puke." She says then leaves.
"She's cute. I want a girl." I smile widely.
"As a kid?" Ethan asks. "I've never heard anyone but Mom describe Kaz as cute."
"She's a grumpmuffin, and I want a daughter." I shove him.
He chuckles. "A daughter would be wonderful."
"Maybe two."
"Will we adopt?" Ethan asks, taking my hands and smiling fondly.
"I was feeling adoption, but we could do something different if you want."
"I like adoption. It'd be kinda awkward to have someone else carry our baby, plus, a lot of kids need homes. Maybe we can even foster some." He gets excited.
"That'd be so fun. We could foster teens and get them ready for college and everything."
Ethan nods. "I love kids. I love you. I will love having kids with you."
I tackle him. "I love you."
Giggling, Ethan kisses whatever skin he is closest to and holds me close as footsteps approach us.
"Ready to go yet, guys, or are you just gonna cuddle?" Kaz asks, smirking.
"We can go." I grab my drink and clean up everything to the best of my ability. I leave a sizable tip and pay the bill before returning. "Let's go."
Ethan takes my hand and Kaz practically skips out, looking very excited. "You better enjoy Charlie's face while you can, Ethan, cause my board and I are gonna wreck it!"
"Noooooo! Don't ruin my face."
"Don't fall then!" She smirks.
"Ethan and you better be there to catch me."
"Aren't I always?" Ethan flirts.
"Yeah." I hug his arm.
He smiles and we all get in the car. Ethan drives us to the skate shop and Kaz lights up with desire and excitement.
"This place is sick." She says then races off, not knowing where to start.
I follow her around, wanting to learn what she likes.
"I wish it wasn't dorky to get your name on one." She mutters and spins a wheel on her way past. She comes to a stop in front of the boards. "The one I had was a fucking hand-me-down from Ethan and it was so worn and used. I'm surprised it didn't snap in half earlier."
"Good thing you're getting a good one."
She smiles wide. "Thanks to you. You're the best brother-in-law ever." She hugs me.
Lighting up, I hug her back. "You're the best sister-in-law ever."
"Really?" She looks up.
I nod. "I'm glad it's you."
She blushes. "I don't think I'm anything special."
"Well, I think you're special."
"I can see why Ethan likes you. You can match him in charm." She turns back to the boards.
"You are pretty damn charming." Ethan agrees, wrapping an arm around me.
"Thanks." I kiss his cheek.
"Whoa!" Kaz pulls one out that was hidden. It's covered in sports themed graffiti and a red skull in the middle sporting roses for eyes. The wheels are black with a red stripe. "I'm in love."
"Then you shall have it!"
Ethan touches it. "Man, that is pretty sick."
"Hands off!" Kaz snaps. "This one is mine."
"Do you want one, Ethan?" I ask.
Ethan raises an eyebrow. "Really? You'd get me one too? I haven't really used one since I got my bike, but now that I'm not riding much anymore... it'd be nice to get back into it." He scratches his chin.
"You know I'd get you one."
Ethan smiles and starts looking, clearly giddy but trying to hide it.
"You're not like... an actual sugar daddy, right?" Kaz asks.
Pouting, I look to Ethan. "You love me even without the money, right, babe?"
Ethan turns, looking like that's the dumbest question I've ever asked him. "Of course, baby. You're my fucking soulmate, rich or poor, you'll always be my Charlie."
I kiss him. "I'm not a sugar daddy."
Ethan chuckles. "No, definitely not. If that was the case, I'd be asking for a lot more, but you get this ass for free." He winks. "You're not a business deal and I'm not a gold digger. You're the love of my life."
"You're the love of my life too."
Smiling, Ethan kisses me, pouring all of his love into it so I can feel how much he loves me.
Giggling, I kiss back. "You're so cute."
"You're cuter." He nuzzles our noses.
"Oh my god, that's so lame." Kaz laughs and looks through the stickers.
"Not lame, goals."
She sticks her tongue out at us.
"I like this one." Ethan says and pulls out a board with purple accents behind chains.
"It's puuuuurpleeeeee." I bounce.
Ethan smirks. "That it is. Matches my underwear."
My face warms up.
Ethan kisses my cheek, looking innocently smug. "Do you want anything, babe?"
"Umm... I don't think so."
"Okay."
"Dude, Charlie." Kaz comes up to me. "Can I get a tattoo?"
"How old are you?"
"Fourteen." Ethan says in his disapproving voice. Kaz glares at him.
"Not yet. Ask me when you're sixteen or seventeen at the youngest."
Kaz pouts. "Okay..."
Ethan slaps her back. "Come on kiddo, cheer up and let's buy that board."
She cheers back up hearing that and we go to the counter to pay.
"Did you pick a backpack?"
"Oh, no." She grabs a big black one with red zippers. "This works."
"Nice." I pay and grab Ethan's hand.
We head out to the parking lot and Kaz immediately puts her board down to try it out, stepping on it and taking off.
"Hate to admit it, but she's even better than me." Ethan says. "You wanna try?"
I nod and squeeze his hand harder. "If you hold my hands."
Kaz jumps the curb, yelling "Woo-hoo!" and Ethan puts our board down.
"The key is balance." He says. "Once you're balanced, you can do anything. Trust yourself and trust the board. If you don't trust it, you'll throw yourself off." He gets on and simply pushes off and comes back. "See?" He gets off and takes my hand.
Kaz rides back to watch. "You can do it!"
I bite my lip. Balance should be easy enough. Years of gymnastics training has prepared me for this. "I want to look good for our wedding," I warn, grabbing his hand and pushing off with my left foot.
He stays beside me, holding my hand the whole time. "That's perfect, baby. I'll catch you if you fall."
"Kaz probably thinks I look lame," I grumble, blushing. It's a lot scarier than riding a bike, but it's not hard at all to maintain balance. "Would you believe me if I told you I am hella good at rollerblading?"
"It looks to me like she's cheering you on." Ethan chuckles. "I'm inclined to believe you. You wanna go sometime? Like a date?"
Date?
"Ooo, please take me on a date. I love going on dates with you." I smile.
"Me too. We should go on more."
"You'll never stop taking me on dates, right?" I ask. "Even when we're married?"
"Definitely not. Our romantic life will keep on forever! Marriage won't damper a thing."
"Good." I throw my hands up and ride a while without Ethan before giggling.
"Nice job for a newbie." Kaz smirks, following me.
"He's good at everything he does." Ethan smiles proudly.
Kaz returns to Ethan's side and puts her hand on his shoulder. "I like him. Ethan, you have my permission to marry him."
I freeze. "Kaz? Really?"
"Totally." She smiles. "You're nice and chill and you make Ethan super happy. Like, he's the happiest he's ever been. So I support it."
I tackle her in a hug. "That means a lot."
She stumbles and laughs a little awkwardly. "Add sap to the list of things he is." She pats my back. "You'll be a fun brother-in-law."
"Hey, I may be sappy, but I love you."
"Me?" Kaz asks in disbelief.
"Yes, you." I bury my face in her hair. "You're so cute and nice."
She scrunches up her nose. "Cute? Nice? I think you've got the wrong girl."
"Shut up, Kaz." Ethan pulls her head under his arm and she hisses, struggling to get out. "You are cute and nice sometimes."
She finally catches air again and sighs. "Maybe sometimes."
I giggle. "All the time. Even when you're scary."
"I did have you shitting your pants trying to impress me." She smirks.
"Don't make fun of me." I pout.
"Yeah," Ethan throws his arms around me. "Don't make fun of him. He's a sap, remember?"
Kaz giggles.
"Well, we should probably get on to preparing the food for the picnic." I blush.
The siblings nod.
"I thought we could make cute sandwiches and salad. I also have fruit and drinks."
"Sounds good." Ethan agrees.
"Is your brother gonna be there?" Kaz asks. "Ryder's master boyfriend."
Ethan gags.
"He'll be at the picnic."
"Cool. It's his turn to shit his pants." She smirks deviously.
"Just be careful, he spanks." Ethan warns her.
"He's not gonna be as scared of you as me." I chuckle. "Xander has a lot more bravery."
"You're plenty brave. You're dating Ethan after all." She smiles at me. "And I have my ways."
"Sounds interesting."
She sighs. "If only your parents had had a girl. It's not fair you both get Kings and I don't."
"You'd want a King?" I stop.
"Who wouldn't?" Kaz chuckles. "Your family's gorgeous and surprisingly cool."
I giggle. "Thanks. Maybe in another life. Ma and Dad almost had a girl..."
"What happened?" Kaz asks softly.
"Mis...car..." I bite my lip. "Y'know."
Kaz nods. "Sorry about that."
"So you're my sister."
"Guess so." She smirks.
"Ready to go?"
"Yep!" Kaz smiles and Ethan puts our boards in the trunk.
"I'm excited."
"Good." Ethan smiles and takes my hand once we're all in the car.
"Are you nervous about our parents meeting?"
"Not really. Now that I've met them, I'm sure they'll get along."
"What do you think, Kaz? Will it be weird?"
"I don't know, your folks are kinda intimidating. I've only seen pictures and damn. Those eyes could kill." She shakes her head.
"Are all of our eyes scary?" I wonder.
"Well, Xander gets those dom eyes." Ethan says. "And yours get kinda scary when you're jealous or protective."
"Aww. Are my eyes the least scary?" I pout.
"I don't know. They've never been directed at me." Ethan shrugs.
"Even when I top." I contemplate. I don't know if I can turn it 'on' or not.
Ethan blushes. "That's a hot scary."
"Yay." I bounce. "I'm a hot top."
"Obviously." Ethan chuckles.
"Xander isn't the only one who's got it."
"Xander's game is weak." Ethan leans in and whispers, "he couldn't put me on my knees the way you do."
My face warms up.
Am I that good?
Ethan kisses my cheek and returns his attention to the road.
I smile, feeling content with my abilities. We talk lightly until we reach the apartment and I bounce when we get there.
Excited, I help Kaz out of the car. "I wanna show you our home."
"Cool." She follows me.
I grab both Decharts' hands and hum in the elevator until we reach our door. "If you ever want to visit us and spend the night, feel free."
Kaz smiles. "Thanks, that's sweet. Someone's gotta take care of Mom though."
"Does she need to be taken care of?"
"We usually help out with the housework while she works so she can rest while she's at home." Ethan explains.
"Oh, we did that! We didn't want Nana to do all the work when we were young, so we learned how to cook and clean."
She nods.
I let her in. "I could help you clean before visiting whenever."
"Thanks." She looks around. "You've got a nice place."
"Thank you. We also have a guinea pig."
"Oh, neat! Can I see it?"
"Yeah! I'll get her." I run to go get Momo. "She gets anxious, so try not to get too loud."
"Okay." Kaz nods and smiles at the creature. "Hi, little guy."
"Her name is Momo." Ethan says.
"Hi, Momo." Kaz greets and gently pets her.
Momo's nose twitches and she nuzzles the new person.
"She likes you."
"Yay!"
"I'm glad you like her." I make sure Ethan's watching before getting up to start on Xan's food.
Ethan plays with Momo happily, showing her off to Kaz.
Careful, I make sure I use a sandwich cutter so that it's symmetrical.
Ethan and Kaz come over to help, setting Momo on the counter.
"These are cute." Kaz compliments.
"Thank you." I make sure I layered his sandwich so that it's mustard-cheese-pickles-meat-pickles-cheese-mustard before exhaling with a grin. "Wanna help? Ethan can take over Momo duty and you can wash your hands."
"I guess." She shrugs and washes her hands while Ethan, bent over, gives Momo nose nuzzles.
"What type of meat do you want on your sandwich?" I motion to all of the sandwich ingredients.
"Turkey.", "Yours." Kaz and Ethan say at the same time before glaring at each other.
"What?" I laugh before it registers. "That'd hurt."
"Nah, I'd never hurt you." Ethan coos. "I don't have to bite."
"How else do you eat a sandwich, dingus?" Kaz rolls her eyes. "Your flirting is so fucking strange."
"I love his strangeness."
"That's good. Nobody else would." Kaz says sneakily and Ethan pouts.
"You're just jealous because you've never dated anyone."
"Shut up!"
"I only really dated one person before Ethan," I explain. "There's no shame in it."
"Really?" Ethan asks. "But you're so datable."
"Well, y'know how I felt about relationships." I stare at the pirate tattoo.
Ethan nods and kisses my cheek.
I smile and nuzzle Momo before getting to work on sandwiches for everyone and then a fruit salad.
Ethan and Kaz help until everything is finished and Ethan puts Momo away after sneaking her some lettuce.
"Does your family eat spicy chips?" I ask, eyeing the bags of chips.
"Not really." Kaz admits. "But we'll eat anything we're given."
"Okay." I pack potato chips as well. "Is anyone picky about drinks? I have soda, water, juice."
"No pickiness in our household." Ethan states proudly.
I giggle. "You don't eat caramel or ham."
"That's two things, does that sound picky?"
"Do you like pickles?"
"I love pickles." Ethan snags one.
"Pickles are good. Especially if you let them sit in jalapeño juice."
Ethan raises an eyebrow. "Really now?"
"They get a little spice to them. I've made pickles before. It's fun. It's kinda gay, so I'm all about it."
"How is making pickles gay?" Kaz asks.
"Because I love pickles." I wiggle my eyebrows.
In response, Kaz snaps a pickle in half with her teeth and heads towards the door.
Ethan shivers.
"Don't leave!" I grab her hand. "Not without us."
"And don't grab." Kaz yanks her hand away. "It's not my fault you geezers are slow as fuck."
Ethan grabs the basket and blanket and joins us.
"Sorry. I like holding hands." I step back and get close to Ethan.
"It's fine. Just don't like, do it again without warning me first." Kaz says and Ethan takes my hand instead.
"Okay."
Ethan takes a breath. "You guys ready for the picnic?"
"Yes! We'll be one big happy family!"
The siblings smile and Ethan leads the way out. "You down to drive, babe?"
"Sure. I'm better at it anyway." I tease, kissing him.
Ethan just scoffs and puts everything in the back.
"I think he's better than you at everything, Ethan." Kaz smirks and Ethan flicks her forehead.
"Shut it, twat."
"He's better at fixing cars and bikes."
Ethan pouts. "That's all?"
"And other stuff I shouldn't say. You're better at being the big spoon. You're better at comforting and art."
"I am a really good big spoon." Ethan nods like a kid who's agreeing but also still pouty.
"You're better at making friends."
"Not really." Ethan rolls his eyes.
"You're a better caregiver and boyfriend," I whisper.
"I don't think so. You're clearly the best boyfriend."
I blush. "Yeah, sure."
"It's true." Ethan looks at me. "You're perfect."
"You look better in leather than me. I just look cute. I don't look all hot and stuff."
"I don't know, we have yet to try assless leather chaps." Ethan winks. "Now stop comparing us. It's only bringing you down."
"No it's not. I just feel lucky."
"So do I." He squeezes my hand.
I giggle and continue driving until we reach the spot.
Xander and Ryder are already there. The auburn-haired male pushes the other on the swings while Ryder laughs. I grin.
"Cuties."
"Let's go join the kids." Ethan chuckles and unpacks the car.
"Well, if it isn't my favorite brother-in-law." I walk up to the couple. "And Xander."
Ryder grins and jumps from the highest point, landing gracefully. "Hi, Charlie! Hey guys! Is Mom here yet? Or Ethan's crush?"
Ethan smacks his brother.
"Which one?" I giggle.
"I hate you all." Ethan points at all of us. "Especially you." His finger lands on Xander. "Your fingers type too much."
"You hate that my finger game is better than yours." He sticks his tongue out. "And you can't hate Charlie. You'll make him really sad."
"Your finger's 'ave got nothin' on my tongue." Ethan sticks his out too and Ryder pouts, clinging to Xander's arm.
"We all know who is best." I sit on the swing.
Ryder nods and kisses Xander's cheek.
"You are the best, babe." Ethan concedes and sits on the swing next to me. Kaz just rolls her eyes.
"Kaz, wanna join us?" I kick off the ground.
"No, I'm not five." She smiles tightly.
"They stole my swing." Ryder pouts.
"Ethan, push me please?"
Ethan takes one look at my eyes before getting up and moving behind me to push. "Sure thing, baby."
Ryder takes Xander's hand and pulls him to the swing. "Do you want to try?"
"You want to push me instead?" He quirks an eyebrow.
"Sure, why not?" He looks around. "Or is this some weird allegory for topping?"
Ethan laughs.
"Ethan's the biggest switch ever, so we'll end up switching here." I laugh.
Xander grins. "If you'd rather push, that's fine."
"I'd actually prefer to swing like this." Ryder sits in Xander's lap, grinning and facing him. "Hold onto me!" He warns before pushing off.
"Fuck." Xander grabs him.
"That seems too exciting around Kaz." I gasp.
"So you don't want to try?" Ethan asks.
"You'd break the swing!" Kaz calls. "At least Ry's light as fuck. Your fat ass wouldn't stand a chance."
"Don't be such a brat, Kaz. The Kings won't like it." Ethan warns her and she frowns.
"Be yourself, Kaz. They'll adore you."
"I'm used to people not liking me." She mumbles and sits down in the grass.
"Ethan, that was a little mean to say before she even met them. What if she was worried if my parents will like everyone but her?"
Ethan frowns too. "I... didn't think about that, I guess."
"He's a jerk with the most innocent intentions." Ryder assures us and Ethan leaves to go talk to Kaz.
"But he knows when to admit he's wrong." I hum. "He's not without fault. He just doesn't let them define him."
"Yeah." Ryder agrees before giggling.
I chuckle before going over to the siblings. "Can I join?"
"Yeah." Ethan shrugs.
I sit down and look at Kaisley. "Don't worry about my parents. Ethan practically flirted with Dad last time and my parents still like him."
"I didn't mean to!" Ethan hides his face and Kaz giggles.
"He's a natural flirt. Can't help it sometimes." She nudges him. "I'm not too worried. It's not like they'll end your marriage over me."
"They'll probably see if you're interested in being a lawyer." I laugh.
"Ew, no." Kaz scrunches up her nose.
"My mom loves female lawyers. She likes having the power and respect on top of helping people."
"She likes power, huh?" Ethan nods.
"That's nice and all but not my thing." Kaz says.
"Girls in suits probably is." I giggle and shove Ethan.
Kaz just blushes.
"Aw, cuuute. Suits are pretty great though."
"They're uncomfortable." Ethan shakes his head.
"You're just a weenie."
"Ach! You take that back!"
"Never." Kaz smirks and Ethan attacks her and they start wrestling, startling me.
"Wow." I move back and watch.
"I hope no one pokes their eye out," Mom says.
Ethan stops immediately and blows hair out of his face. "Ava." He stops Kaz too and stands up, brushing all the grass and dirt off. Kaz does the same. "H-Hey." Ethan greets awkwardly.
She laughs. "There's no need to be so stiff."
"You already got our permission to be with Charlie," Dad adds.
Ethan smiles and shakes their hands before returning to my side. "Ryder, Xan, they're here! Become decent!"
Xander comes over with Ryder on his back. "We're more decent than you'll ever be, Ethan."
I laugh.
"A girl?" Mom gets excited. "Are you a Dechart?"
Kaz looks at her funny. "Yeah, I'm Kaisley, the youngest."
"Ma is surrounded by guys all the time," I explain. "At home and at work."
She rolls her eyes. "I still get respect at work and at home. It is nice to see a young girl though."
Kaz nods in understanding and Ethan's mom runs up with her dirty blonde hair pulled up in a bun.
"So sorry I'm late!" She sees my parents and goes up to them with her hand extended. "You must be the Kings, I'm Amie, it's so nice to finally meet you."
"Nice to meet you." Mom shakes her hand.
"You don't need to worry about being late. We were just meeting Kaisley." Dad smiles and shakes afterwards.
"Good, good." Amie places her hands on her daughter's shoulders and smiles. "Your boys look so much like you. This must be the ever elusive Xander." She offers him a hand and Ryder drops down.
"Sorry I didn't bring him over earlier. We've just been having such a good time together I forgot about all that formality stuff." Ryder admits, blushing.
Xander smiles. "Nice to meet you, Amie."
Mom hugs me. "Our boys are our pride and joy."
"I feel the same way about my kids." Amie smiles. "I wish their father were here, he would be overjoyed to see you both so happy."
I look to Ethan and reach for his hand.
He squeezes it, smiling.
Xander looks to Ryder and I check on Kaz to make sure she's okay too.
"I hope you all enjoy the food we made." I motion to the blanket.
"I'm sure we will." Amie runs her fingers through my hair. "Anything made by you is divine, I hear."
Blushing, I lead her to the blanket. "I made sandwiches with Ethan and Kaz. I also have drinks, fruit salad, and chips for everyone."
"Yay! I'm so hungry." Ryder sits down excitedly, pulling Xander with him.
Ethan chuckles and sits with me while Amie sits between Kaz and my parents.
Xander grins. "Thank you for making my sandwich, Charlie."
"You know I'd do it right."
He smiles at it before taking a bite.
"I love mine too." Ethan grins.
"Thanks for all of this, Charlie." Amie says. "It was so sweet of you boys to set this up."
"You're welcome. I'm just glad everyone was able to make it."
Ethan smiles at me, his hand subtly on his pocket.
Kaz doubles down on the chips. "Charlie got me a new skateboard."
"Yeah, I did." I grin. "Ethan got one too. Kaz is really good at it."
Kaz smirks proudly.
"Oh, wow, you didn't have to do that, but thank you." Amie looks almost guilty. "She is very good, practices all the time."
"It's nothing. I like spoiling your kids. Giving gifts is something I enjoy."
"Who's the sugar baby now?" Ryder smirks and Ethan shoots him a look.
"He's my baby." I kiss him.
"Gross." Xander sticks his tongue out.
"Don't be so shy, Xan." Ryder coos. "They're cute."
"We're cuter." He kisses Ryder on the cheek.
"That's true." He blushes.
"I'm gonna say Charlie's parents are the cutest because they're the only ones not making me gag." Kaz snorts.
Mom pushes her hair behind her ear and leans against Dad.
"We were the same in college." He hums.
"I bet you had a wild side." Ethan guesses.
"What if they fuck at work?" I whisper.
"I guess you could say that." Dad chuckles.
Ethan turns red from my comment. "If we had the same job you know we would."
"Definitely. I feel like I was conceived in Dad's office," I whisper even quieter.
"That's kinda really hot." Ethan whispers back. "A scandalous office sex baby."
"Makes sense why I am the way I am." I wink.
Ryder leans in real close. "What are you whispering about?"
"About me being made in the office."
Ryder's eyes widen and he leans back over to whisper to Xander.
"Xander was probably conceived in a hotel parking lot." Ethan chuckles.
"Hey, he's better than that" I laugh.
"What are you all talking about?" Dad asks.
I blush.
"Uh... nothing." Ethan says and Ryder hides in Xander.
Mom laughs. "You know how they are. It's probably best we don't know. Wouldn't want Ethan to try and steal you from me again." Her eyes darken at Ethan with her lawyer look, but playful.
"Who ever said I only want him?" Ethan smirks and Kaz facepalms.
I push him. "Stop it!"
Dad laughs. "What a slut."
Amie raises her eyebrows at that.
"Shut up, it was just a joke." Ethan blushes and cuddles up to me to make up for it.
"You are a slut." I pout. "You think you can have all the Kings."
"Wait, Xander too?" Kaz asks.
"No!" Ethan defends. "I'm only a slut for my Charlie."
"He was all over me when he was drinking," Xander says.
Ethan looks betrayed. "I'm just an overly friendly drunk!"
"Like a dog." Ryder supplies.
Ethan nods. "Exactly. Wait—no—"
I pet him. "He'd make a cute dog."
"Really? You think so?" Ethan asks, looking genuinely touched.
"I know so."
"I think I'd be a big dog with lots of shaggy fur and multiple shades of brown." Ethan smiles.
"A cuddly dog." I nuzzle him.
"Definitely." He agrees.
Amie chuckles, watching us lovingly. She looks proud.
"How has work been, Amie?" I ask, playing with Ethan's hair and feeding him fruit.
"It's been alright. I got that new job I talked about so I can hopefully cut down my work hours and be home a little more." She smiles sadly at Kaisley who just turns away.
I frown at the interaction before smiling. "That's great! It'll be nice for you to have more time to spend with family and relax."
"It really will be." She agrees wholeheartedly Then turns to my parents. "I'm sure your work hours aren't kind to you either."
"We've missed out on a lot, but we try our best. Ava almost missed Xander's birth." Dad laughs.
"I didn't think he was coming!"
"Your water broke at work."
"I didn't feel the contractions."
Ethan mouths "at work" to me.
"Some of them are sneaky little shits." Amie sides with Ava.
"She almost gave birth at work. The poor college intern nearly fainted."
"Dear lord."
"You're a badass." Kaz says.
Mom laughs. "Thanks."
Ethan smiles. "They're getting along great."
"I'm glad." I squeeze his hand.
"Me too."
"I'm also glad, even if we aren't as far into our relationship as you two." Ryder says.
"It definitely takes a load off," Xander agrees.
"Were you worried?" Ryder asks him, actually intrigued.
"I thought they'd get along, but I just didn't want a reason for us to have to break up."
"There's no force on Earth that could make us break up if we didn't want to." Ryder says, determined.
Xander smiles. "I like that."
"You can always sneak in my window." Ryder smirks. "And I'll sneak onto your roof."
"The roof and windows are our special places."
Ryder nods and presses their foreheads together. "Incredibly special."
"They're so cute." I coo.
"Yeah, when they're not horny." Ethan snickers.
"Master." Kaz mumbles, laughing under her breath.
"Eeeeew!" I throw a grape at her.
"It's true! I heard it!" She throws it back.
Dad laughs and Mom just shakes her head. "You kids."
"They aren't really kids anymore, are they?" Amie observes, her eyes nostalgic.
"I still feel like a kid and Ethan acts like one." I laugh.
"I do not." Ethan mumbles.
"You were wrestling with Kaisley," Xander says. "And you're always trying to fight me despite us all knowing that you looooove me."
"I fight out of love."
Xander tackles Ethan. "I wish you would tell me you love me more," he fake cries.
"Shut the fuck up." Ethan laughs and rolls them over. "Your ego is big enough already from my brother."
"Never big enough. Love me."
Dad moves the chips out of the way and Mom continues to talk to Amie. I smile. This is the best that it could have been. I'm glad this is my family.
I can't wait to get married.
_______________________________
Author's Note:
So much fluff!
Which story of ours would you like to see come back next?
-Jex