I remember

  What could it possibly mean? She didn't make a pumpkin pie for him. It was cheesecake with cherries on top. Elvis could hardly hold the laugh in. Here he was living with Rox's friends.

"Well, they're not all my friends," Rox looked at him a little frustrated. She sounded as if she hardly knew any of them, but they were the friends who could take him in at a moment's notice.

"Sure, they're not," Elvis sighed back as he leaned against the kitchen door watching this pixie of a girl be all domestic as she and Nonnie were putting the Friendsgiving spread together. It wasn't a big deal, according to Rox's bestie. 

"Oh, but you are the best," Rox sweetly said as she had her arm around Nonnie's shoulders while she was putting the last of the fixings of the King Ranch Chicken casserole which meant more cheese.

There were lots of cheesy things for the feast. Cheesy pizza, mac and cheese, broccoli, cheese and rice. 

"I did cut some carrots," Elvis shrugged.

"Yeah, he's afraid we didn't have any real vegetables," Nonnie smiled at him. Elvis looked at her cooly as if he might win Rox's friend over yet.

They sat together then. Roomies, except for Rox who lived down the hall in her apartment with Pan.

"Why didn't he come?" Elvis asked as everything was settled and chowing down piled plates of carbs.

"You know, we've broken up," Rox was even lipped about it. She wasn't dolled up and she looked to be in her favorite clothes for moments like these, in sweatpants heaven.

Elvis sighed and looked down at his mounds of cheesy casserole. It was spicier than he ever imagined.

"I could be with you," he said out loud.

"You know, we are just friends," she snapped. 

He remembered. But it felt like so much more. She was like a light at the end of the tunnel. He had someplace to go now. He didn't feel to be lost in the forest only to have his mother find him and to need him so badly. After all, he was just her errand boy out to find her local drug dealer.

"I want to be your bestie," he grinned then. Possibly, she was an angel in devil's clothes. He didn't care. He knotted his hand in hers as if this was real and she better figure it out before it was too late. 

Elvis looked around the dining table. He knew what Nonnie thought of him. He heard her say to her boyfriend that the new roomie had the face of a snake. 

"Thank you guys for making me feel like this is home," Elvis smiled with gratitude. "Just don't eat all the cheesecake. Rox made it for me."

Yes, he was selfish. Maybe even a real prick. They knew his real colors. But it didn't matter. No, Elvis knew right where he wanted to be. He looked to Rox. He knew there had to be a reason as to why he was here and not somewhere hanging out in the cold dark shadows.

Carmen didn't even realize it was Black Friday. Of course, she was at the skating rink with Rico. It was fun just watching him while she took care of skates and the cash register. There was a special today and it was amazing how many were coming in to skate. 

It felt like the times when she was a kid and she couldn't get enough with her in-line skates. But since she was working there, the crowds weren't nearly as big. Although she was OK with that since the pandemic she wasn't one much for crowds.

And yet, she knew why some came to the skating rink now. It was Rico. Of course, he'd get her out on the floor later. He always did near the end. Many would be getting ready to go home, but they were in no hurry when he'd put a show on. It wasn't like he was in a roller derby. No, he would glide by moving to the disco music and then he would take her hand. It would feel as if they were in a different world. 

She couldn't help but smile when she was with him. Somehow, she always felt safe when they skated together. All she had to do was have a little faith. Yes, it made her feel a little giddy and wild. And it was their stage. 

His moves made her see a life she'd never known before. It felt as if everything was moving forward and she felt a part of it. Yet, he made her feel at home when they weren't dancing, or at work. She looked forward to seeing him at any given moment. It was an opportunity to seize the moment. Yes, she felt as if it was meant to be and she didn't know she would ever experience anything like that in her life.

Really, all Tristan felt like doing after all this Thanksgiving was hybernating with Delia. They just couldn't have the Facetime his mother wanted with Liv. After all, he felt as if he'd been dropping in on everyone for Thanksgiving. 

They'd made the rounds to Dora's then to Rico's dad's. It felt never-ending, and yet it came back to that new roommate....Elvis.

Really, it made him laugh in his sleep. How in the world did they end up with this guy?

"Your name can't be Elvis, it just can't be?" He's said first thing to the skinny blonde dude. For a moment he thought he might have new problems of some kind, but Elvis said they were very old.

"I've been living with her most of my life," he shrugged. After all, it was his mom who named him Elvis. "She never gave me a good answer about it." In fact, she didn't have a lot of answers for him. It was because of her that he'd ended up in the emergency room. It was evidently the last straw.

"I've been thinking, I don't want to die for her," Elvis sighed about the matter. There had been fentanyl-laced in the marijuana. "She's been worried about it for a while now. She won't go to one of those licensed places for her pot. She says it's not strong enough."

Evidently, his mom liked to smoke it first thing in the morning and before bed too. 

"I don't smoke the stuff. I don't do drugs," Elvis told him. "Believe me there is no chance I am doing anything for her anymore."

Tristan knew Elvis was worried about her, in spite of saying, "Never." Of course, he said she'd lucked out. Was happy to have his drug prescription. 

"I gotta wonder how long that will last her," he sighed about the matter, but with Roxann around Elvis didn't look too worried. Hopefully, his mother was nothing to worry about.

I'm looking up not looking down

 This wasn't exactly the birthday Elvis was expecting. Sure he wanted Rox with him, but he never thought it would happen. This was never his luck. 

He'd go to Pan's place himself and see what was going on. Weezer said he'd catch up. There were a few things he needed to do at home. So Elvis was alone.

Like a shock to the system, he came face to face with the ass that Rox was talking about.

"What are you doing here?" Elvis chuckled.

"What are you doing here?" Wade winced back.

"Oh, I might be somebody's Christmas Angel," Elvis smirked. "But what are you?"

"Shit," Wade tilted his head as if he was rather perturbed. "You can't seriously be involved with her." He shook his head, no about Rox.

"Seriously," Elvis nodded. "So what's the deal?"

"Pan..is my friend," Wade told him as they stood in the untouched living room. It was as if no one really lived here anymore. "And..and the only way I can help him..is..is to be here."

"Oh really," Elvis sighed as he found himself hugging himself while watching Wade's hands shoved in his jean's pockets. "Well, you'll be closer..for me."

"But..but you'll be with her," Wade made it sound like an insult. 

"So," Elvis said he knew her. "She needs me."

Wade sighed as if he hated the idea. 

"You can have my lumpy bed," he told him. "We're taking her new bed." Weezer arrived to help.

"Fine." Now Wade crossed his arms. "I'll bring my own goddamn bed." He was even lipped.

Elvis wasn't sure if this meant war or a truce. He looked around. Not a sign of that boyfriend of Rox's. Actually, Elvis didn't know what he looked like.

Bren surprised everyone when she showed up with a  birthday cake for Elvis. Perhaps, it was a last-minute thing, but she heard from an older customer she used to know that Elvis lived in Bren's building and it was his birthday.

"She taught me everything I know at the grocery store," Elvis was all smiles to introduce Bren to Rox. He didn't even know Bren lived in his building.

"Well, Myrtle was afraid you wouldn't have anyone to celebrate with," Bren told him. "She's worried about you."

"I would have never known," Elvis took the cake and put it in the kitchen. "She's always so happy," he said. "It makes me want to be happy too."

It was just Elvis and Rox. The others were busy with something. Before Bren could chat any more about the old woman they both knew. Elvis made an observation. "So this is why you quit the grocery store." He looked at her growing tummy. He wanted to know how she was doing.

"I just bet you were restless," he assured Rox that Bren was the busiest woman he'd ever met. 

Bren smiled with a sigh. Yes, she'd been busy. She had a few customers to make meals for during the week. She didn't charge much, but it was a little income.

Bren looked at Rox who was a bit distraught as if she'd barely survived a bomb of some kind. She asked if she was all right, but she wasn't saying much. Elvis reached for her the pale girl, but Rox looked as if she was about to sob. 

Elvis thanked Bren for the cake. "Maybe next time we see you all will be beautiful once again."

Bren nodded. She guessed it was good to be optimistic, but it didn't change Rox's mood.

Cause you can't go back now

 April couldn't get here soon enough. Still, so much had happened during this whirlwind of winter, or at least Rox thought so.

She and Elvis got married at the art exhibit near the university's commons. It was a very quiet affair on a Sunday afternoon when the commons were closed, but since Elvis was good friends with someone at the art department and a janitor or two, it happened.

Of course, Pan's mom helped more than Rox's own mother. She'd expected as much. Even if he wished Pan and Wade hadn't come to the nuptials. It wasn't a game changer by any means. There were the holidays that were squeezed in, and Rox was beginning to realize that Pan's mom wanted to be a grandma, which she couldn't say about her own mom, but things got better. She guessed Pan and Wade were extended family. After all, Elvis was Wade's half-brother.

She would be in her last tri-master soon and she kept in contact with Nonnie who had gone remote on her job which pleased Rox maybe more than Nonnie.

Her complaint was, "Weezer's home all the time."

Even then Rox knew she didn't mean it. "You know, you guys are in it together," Rox remembered saying over a facetime moment. 

"Well, if he could only have the baby for me," Nonnie sighed as if she still felt she never got enough rest. 

Rox was happy to document this time with a friend who was also pregnant. It was a time for sharing recipes and other secrets while pregnant. 

When Rox confessed she and Elvis were still having intercourse, Nonnie winced with disgust.

"How could that be comfortable?" She'd asked.

"Oh, we have our ways," Rox smiled back into the phone.

"God, you're such love birds," Nonnie smirked.

"I bet you're doing it too," Rox giggled.

"Ha, ha, ha, think again, sister."

Nonnie talked about not having her shit together. It wasn't until later Rox figured out Nonnie was having bouts of diarrhea. It might have been her gall bladder, but since she wasn't throwing up all the time, the doctors didn't seem to worry. Still, Nonnie restricted herself from fatty foods, even ice cream. Rox knew she just couldn't go on without ice cream.

"Are you sure you're eating anything at all?" Rox kept asking from time to time.

"Yes, my fruit and veg every day and some turkey bacon."

Maybe it was a good thing they didn't see each other that often. Rox would hate for Nonnie to see all the things she loved to eat, like pasta and pizza.

Drowning in an ocean of grey

 Roxann didn't give much thought to Pan and Wade's wedding. Honestly, she wasn't even thinking about her own wedding. She was just enjoying her emerging baby bump. She was glad Elvis didn't mention the upcoming wedding, either. 

Instead, she and Elvis finally got a chance to go down to Lincoln to see Weezer and Nonnie. It was a surprise visit for the weekend. Just a Saturday to spend the day.

Of course, the boys gave them time to catch up, but of course, she was worried. What had happened to Nonnie?

She was so skinny and with the sniffles. She didn't look like she felt good. How had this happened?

"Do you think I've changed?" Rox wanted to know. Nonnie's domain was the kitchen while Weezer was in the backyard showing Elvis around. They were chilling with snacks and pop while Rox and Nonnie were left with fruit, cheese, and herbal tea.

"Of course, not," Nonnie broke into a laugh. Rox was happy to see Nonnie could smile. She was afraid she was in a bad mood.

"I think you have," Rox finally admitted.

"It's different now," Nonnie admitted. "I feel things that I never imagined."

Rox studied her friend's face. She looked a bit sad. Rox wondered what was going on.

"Is it your job?" Rox was happy with hers. Everyone was so kind and understanding. She loved working at the University and was thankful Elvis was doing well with his job too.

"That might be it," Nonnie said she'd had to put up with morning sickness that led to evening sickness. "I thought I was going to have to live on Dr. Pepper and crackers."

"Oh, I want to eat everything," Rox gritted a smile. Yes, there was a small window that she was sick in the beginning, but not anymore.

"This cold just won't go away," Nonnie pressed her lips tight. "The doctor says everything is fine, but..but what if it isn't? What..what if it's where I work, that..that might be making me sick..and it might make the baby sick too."

"Have you thought about finding a new job?" Rox said out of concern. Here, she was thrilled to wear Elvis's shirts he never wore and his levis rolled at the bottom. She looked at her feet, even though they were spreading. She was actually in his old Chuck Taylors.

Nonnie said she didn't want to lose her insurance. It was a top paying job she never imagined having.

"I just wish Weezer would find a great job..so..so you wouldn't have to work," Rox hugged herself. Here, she'd envied Nonnie with a house and a baby on the way. Now she felt sad for her.

Gazing into the days long gone

 When Nonnie got the baby news from Rox, she did her best to stay upbeat. She didn't want to bring her down, but still, it worried her.

"Are you really OK?" She knew Rox's history. Finding out she was pregnant was the last thing Nonnie ever thought would happen. Possibly, when Rox mentioned her egg count, Nonnie made the best of it. "I know you can do it. You're with Elvis now."

"I know," but Nonnie hinted a sadness in Rox's voice.

"Don't look back," Nonnie said quick enough as she was doing her best to make dinner for her and Weezer at their new place. Of course, they hadn't made any friends yet in the neighborhood. She knew a few co-workers, but they were mainly divorced women who wanted her to come out and drink with them which she didn't. She and Weezer were doing their own kind of nesting, but just for the two of them.

Weezer had taken a shine to yard work and they'd painted the livingroom. The kitchen was their next priority.

"Why don't you two come down for the weekend?" Nonnie asked thinking it would be great to see her bestie. Sure, they texted each day, but touching base was key, and Weezer had finally decided Elvis wasn't all bad.

"Oh, I don't know. I've applied for a new job and well, I dunno if..if I can even get it," Rox sounded worried.

"Relax." Nonnie told her. "You got this." Nonnie kept smiling. Yet, it didn't seem real, she thought when she got off the phone with Rox.

Rox was going to have a baby. She wouldn't have the baby until next March. She couldn't phantom the thought. She shook with laughter. It felt as of her old skin of bad thoughts slid off of her like a dry snake skin. The past.

"What are you smiling about, Babe?" Weezer came in to find something cold to drink. He was getting the back yard ready for a new dog. They'd decided they needed a fur baby. They looked at the Animal shelter on a weekly basis, but they hadn't found one to take.

"Oh, it's Rox," Nonnie's smile was open. "Elvis and Rox are having a baby." Her laugh suddenly turned into a cough. She felt breathless and a bit dizzy herself.

Weezer helped her to a dining chair. He was slick with sweat and grass.

"You must be allergic to me," Weezer chuckled. He went to get chilled water for her.

She sighed, thinking she might be freaking out a little. But she was happy for Rox. Oh, she hoped it went well for her. Still, she felt a little sad, too. Why was she so scared of having children, herself?

She loved Weezer. She knew she would never want to be with anyone else. The tears hit her and her throat tightened. She thought she might die. She could hardly breathe. 

Weezer looked at her in shock. He picked up the phone to call 911, but she promised it would pass even if she did have trouble breathing.

In the back room she was everybody's darling

 "Fancy meeting you here?" It was almost a drunk smile or maybe Cleo was just on new meds.

Honestly, Elvis hadn't missed them. He couldn't say if he'd ever get the pronouns right, but the peeps at school still said Cleo was his twin. Yet here Cleo was chatting up Allie at the pizza counter just at closing time. 

It was a thaw out, but Elvis hadn't wanted to wait in the car for Rox.

"I haven't seen you at school," Cleo tilted her head as if maybe Elvis was being truant.

"I've been around," he thought it best not to give Cleo too much information. Of course, when Cleopatra was Leo, he'd been Elvis' first friend at school. Back then they were perhaps protecting each other, which usually meant, "Let's just get out of here." It felt so old now. It was hard being Cleo's friend, especially, when they were always mistaken for each other. Elvis couldn't remember the last time he saw Cleo. 

Naturally, the transitions had their ups and downs, and as far as Elvis knew Cleo still had all his parts so was he truly a trans woman? Not that he'd ask. It was just to accept what was, yet Elvis didn't think his personality changed much. Still a smoker, a toker maybe even a midnight joker.

Elvis sighed. 

"Well, I'm good, and you?" Elvis looked Cleo over and hoped this discussion didn't last long. 

"You know, I'm the same old story," Cleo's smile opened wide. Cleo was model thin and from another world. One whereas the existence of the Velvet Underground. Perhaps, Cleo was Rock Star Royalty only there was no place for it in their neck of the woods.

"Later, bro," Cleo said making his exit and blowing Allie a kiss.

"You know him?" Allie looked at Elvis in a bit of amazement. 

"Aw, I guess we go a ways back," Elvis nodded.

"Cleo, I don't know about her," Allie shook her head. "I did my best to help in the beginning, but I don't think they like the support groups at school."

"That figures," Elvis nodded.

"I'm not that big on them either," Allie told him. "I never know what to say." She said Diago was all she'd ever need.

Elvis nodded. He had no idea who she was talking about.

About then, Rox showed up with the keys to lock the doors. "Have you been nice?" Rox smiled. It only made Elvis laugh. "Of course, I have."

He met Allie's boyfriend then who was coming back from his last pizza run for the night. Elvis guessed he and Rox should hang out more with her work friends.

Right where we left off

 "What do you want me to do?" Nonnie thought she might pass out. It felt like everything was going in a whirlwind and Rox was right in the middle, showing up with the blonde goth kid.

"Please, can't you do this? Can't you talk to Tristan? It's almost Thanksgiving," Rox pleaded while she knew there was room at Nonnie's since Mona and Hoyt left.

Nonnie sighed. She didn't like being put on the spot. Who did Rox think she was?

"What are you going to do for me?" Nonnie shot back, leaving Rox without a word to say.

"Well..well, I'll go home..home to Pan. And..and I'll get a job." Rox nodded as if she'd already gotten her act together.

"Where?" Nonnie's frown was small as she looked her dearest friend in the eye.

"I'll..I'll work for you," Rox nodded as if that was the least she could do.

Nonnie sighed. "You know, I don't have a say in that." She hugged herself while somebody was making himself at home, bouncing his bottom on the bed in the small vacant room. "What does he do?"

"Oh, he's at the grocery store," she shrugged as if it wasn't a big deal.

Nonnie's mouth clenched.

"He's seventeen." Rox knew.

Nonnie went to get Tristan. She just knew he'd say no. He was studying on his laptop and looked as if he needed a break. Of course, he was in his flannels and tank.

"Rox has got a problem," Nonnie whispered after she shut the door behind her. They were alone. Dale was off making Thanksgiving plans with Dora.

"Oh," he didn't look surprised.

"I know we can't do it. She..she .." Nonnie did her best not to put Rox in a bad light, "She met this teenager when she was..you know.."

"Is he here?" He said he thought he'd heard voices. Casually, he put both of his hands on the top of his head and looked back at his work. He stretched his arms out and yawned. "You know, we don't really have any rules anymore. I got a letter from who used to see this unit in the first place and has turned it over to who lives here now. If he needs a place to stay, why not?" He shrugged.

Nonnie looked at him blankly.

"You're really OK with this?" Nonnie winced. 

"We'll see how it goes. If he's not a good fit..then.." Tristan was obviously thinking out loud but then looked at Nonnie. "What's his name?"

"Elvis."

"Elvis," Tristan grinned and choked a laugh. "What's his real name?"

"That's what Rox said." Nonnie sighed as she stood there thinking this couldn't possibly be happening. Tristan finally got up. He said he'd have a talk with Elvis.

"We'll have a real Thanksgiving," Nic promised.

"Um, I'm short on funds," Liv mentioned.

"I can cook at Woo's," he sounded as if it was settled. "His place is bigger."

"But, you're working," Liv said over the phone.

"It's a holiday. They are giving me off two days and the weekend." It wouldn't be a problem. Felicity would come. 

It was as if he was certain he was messing up Liv's holiday.

"I'll have to talk to Woo," she said. Of course, Woo took the phone. He said Thanksgiving could be at his place. He even said he and Liv would make pies, pumpkin, and a chocolate cream pie.

Nic smiled. Yeah, he'd like that. "We'll have to make a video and send it to her brother for Thanksgiving." 

Nic didn't think he was thinking too far ahead, but he wanted this to be the best Thanksgiving yet. When he got off the phone, Felicity took his hand. 

"See, you were worried for nothing," she kissed him before he could return with anything. 

Why was she so good at calming everything down. Instead, she filled him up with laughter. Really, everything felt right on schedule. He didn't miss being back in the States. He hoped Tristan was having as much fun as he was.

You know I love crazy

 

Rox listened carefully as Elvis did his best to explain his half-brother, Wade.

"Really, I didn't even know I had one," he was even lipped. He told her how this guy approached him at school who he thought might be a drug dealer of some kind. He seemed to fit in and Elvis wasn't sure what to make of him. "Then..then he cornered me, I thought he was about to punch me, but he asked me if I had ever met someone who looked like him and was calling himself Wade," Elvis said he knew it sounded crazy, but this identical twin of Wade's was posing as him and doing all these bad things.

"And you believed him?" Rox swelled a frown. She knew she would never believe Wade. There was just something about that look of his that put her off.

"Well, yeah, I mean he was really upset at the time. He said he almost lost his job."

"Why you?" she winced hard, thinking of all people why did Wade have to be Elvis' half-brother? Did he really even have proof they were related?

Rox and Elvis were out taking a late-night walk where they had some time to themselves, away from the crowded apartment. Sure, it was cold. The wind was brisk with a chance of snow. They huddled together in their thin coats. Evidently, they were native to this kind of cold.

 They came to a stop when they both noticed the aired-up Santa lying face down. It moved as if it might be doing push-ups. Finally, she cracked a laugh and so did Elvis. Rox knew this was no time to hash out what had happened with Wade moving in and her moving out. It was Christmas. 

A part of her hated to let herself be happy. She knew she should be there for Elvis too. Naturally, he hadn't heard a word from his mother. Sure, he said he was OK with that. Maybe Rox believed him. She guessed he really did need his brother in his life. She just wished she knew the whole story. 

They walked the block hand in hand. Maybe everyone was right. She needed to leave Pan alone. There was Ari who she could call and he promised to give her updates, even if he hadn't yet. After all, it was the holidays.

They were back at the apartments and someone was waiting for Elvis. Before Rox knew it, she was right there with Elvis at the old gray sedan. 

"Mom?" Elvis squinted. 

She didn't have much to say. She handed over the car keys. She said it was his now. 

"Are you going somewhere?" He wanted to know.  

"I wish," she smiled. "Like some place warm." That's when she told him she was going to jail.

So I remember we were driving

 Trish was devastated by the news that Liv found a place to live in Seoul, but she did her best not to let it show. Only, she knew she couldn't hide it from Bren.

"She'll be all right," Bren said about the matter. Of course, it felt good to be out of the house for Trish. Still, when she looked around Bren and Mario's apartment, she remembered that Liv was there.

It was an emotion that tugged at her chest. She could hardly stand to breathe. Bren brought out the goodies her father had brought her. 

"I haven't even talked to you since you got back from your honeymoon," Trish quickly said. "Did you enjoy it?"

"Oh, we got lost a couple of times," Bren held in a laugh. She said Mario was very old school and maybe her first child too. She sighed and touched her growing tummy. They drank hot tea in her cozy dining room.

"Will you guys move?" Trish was even lipped. Nothing was going to make her smile as she cradled the warm cup of tea.

"I don't think right away," Bren shrugged. "We need to have the baby first and you know, save more money." Bren nodded.

Trish nodded. She'd been saving money all her life and it hadn't amounted to much. Her head felt a little dizzy. She didn't want to think of the economics of her life. Yes, she was a failure on so many levels. She'd failed Liv the most. She couldn't forget that.

"Let's have Thanksgiving together," Bren reached for her hand.

Trish nodded. "As long as I don't have to cook the whole meal."

"Oh, we'll let Mario's dad and my dad do that," Bren laughed.

Elvis knew what Rox needed. Of course, he'd had some bad times too. Wasn't that life? He was just a leftover from his mother's first relationship. Or maybe she'd just wanted a baby back then. He didn't know. Although, it felt as if she would never let him be. And he didn't want to think about that at the moment.

It was good to be away from her. After all, it was just the two of them and of course, his mother's wayward bouts of medicating herself. There were so many ups and downs, and he'd had to be the grownup all along. Surely, he could handle Rox.

They'd hung out at the arcade he often visited when he needed a lift. Rox told him he was just too serious about so many things.

"Yeah, right, you got a serious side too," he didn't want to think about anything sad. "Let's just not talk about it." And they didn't. They ran in the streets that night as if they owned it.

It was fun spending the whole night alive and finding places to see under the streetlights of the city. Yes, it was colder and they huddled from time to time. But in the end, they ended up having waffles at the Waffle House.

"I didn't know it existed?" Rox said. "I never make it on this side of town." They were somewhere on L street past the Stock Yards. 

"So are you going to be a model?" Elvis asked.

"No." Rox played with her waffles and fruit. "I should be a nurse, but in the state I'm in I shouldn't be taking care of people."

Elvis agreed. "But shouldn't you be doing something you love?"

"It's complicated." She frowned. It was as if they were finally back to reality. Elvis sipped his cream coffee.

"It's always complicated." He told her. 

"How would you know?" She swelled even a bigger frown.

"Sometimes, you're born with it, you know." He smiled. "Look, why don't we live together. We'll be good for each other."

She pressed her lips tight. "But you don't really know me." Her sad eyes looked up at him as if he'd soon regret it. 

"It couldn't be any worse than where I am now," he shrugged. He told her he lived in a motel with his mother. "She won't miss me." He shrugged.

"But you don't have a job, you were-"

"She thinks she's being a mom. She's the one who's fucked up. You think any of those meds are for me?" He was even-lipped about the matter.

"Come on, what do you say?" He let a smile slip. Rox looked at him wide-eyed.

"You..you need to finish school," she warned him.

"I don't want a nagging big sister," he assured her with a smirk. 

He paid with cash then.

"How..how do you have any money?" Rox wanted to know.

"Um, there's an app for that," he shrugged back with a smile. "I do work at the grocery store." It was legit. But he still liked to do a little crypto on the side. It wasn't that big of a deal. 

"We'll find us a place. I bet you could sign for it," he told her. Rox winced. 

"But-" 

Elvis took her hand then. He unwound her fist and touched her palm. It was soft and endearing. "Oh, I think I'm in your future." He chuckled.

And I could see it a mile away

 

Rox finally knew, but she didn't want to say it. Not right now. Especially, where there was so much to do at their two-bedroom apartment just down the hall from Pan and Wade's. 

Of course, those two did the bulk of the move. Of course, Elvis helped. It was a good brotherly time. Rox kept to herself mostly, with the packing and unpacking. 

But Pan was his casual self and made sure to find a place for all the kitchen stuff.

"How come you have so many glasses?" He asked as he was unloading the few boxes in the kitchen where Rox felt the most needed. She wanted to put their dishes away.

"We might have a party, or something," she responded. "Actually, Elvis couldn't choose and.."

Pan nodded and walked away. She knew this must be hard for him too. But he brought her a soda from the cooler he brought. Evidently, they brought over a meal for the two of them so they wouldn't have to cook on their first night.

"Maybe you should try one of those glasses out," Pan smiled. He remembered how she liked her soft drinks over ice.

Rox bit her bottom lip. She said a quiet thank you and went on with her work as if they might as well be strangers. Although, he still felt like family even if he was her ex. 

"Maybe you two can drop by for lunch on Sundays," Pan said. "Of course, don't come over before two."

She nodded with a smile. She knew she could do this for Elvis. She was certain Pan was doing this for Wade. She guessed if they did these dinners enough it wouldn't be awkward.

"I'll ..well, we'll cook for you guys," she decided. "We're a pretty good team." She talked about Elvis.

"Oh, I just watch you know," he shrugged.

Yeah, some things had not changed about Pan, but he seemed friendlier now. About then Wade and Elvis came in with the mattress. Finally, it was home when the mattress landed sweetly in its place on the bed.

"Well, it's time for us to get out of here," Wade laughed.

"You're leaving so soon?" Elvis gave his brother a pat on the back.

"Yeah, it's time for you two to be grownups. You don't need us," Wade squinted. His smile was open.

It wasn't long until Pan and Wade left. Elvis went to investigate what was in the cooler. There were cold salads and even meatballs and spaghetti to warm up.

"Nice." 

Elvis' lips curled up on the ends. Rox smiled back and she went to him to give him a hug. It felt like home.

344. the tiniest of baby clothes and shoes

 Wade found his brother the day Roxann went into labor. 

"So what does this mean?" Elvis was hoping his brother Wade would be with him at the hospital, but evidently it was just going to be Rox and sporatic moments with her mother who kept wanting to see Rox only Rox didn't want to see her.

"That..that its over," Wade sounded as if he was in the clear. Someone was to blame for all the things he'd supposedly done.

"And..and are you going to talk to him?" Elvis knew then he needed to make this about his older brother with the other brother (the brother he'd never met).

"I want to, but..but then I don't."

Wade sounded so indifferent. Elvis wanted to tell him that he needed him here, but he knew that was asking for too much. Elvi went on to tell him, even if he doubted his brother cared that Roxann was doing great and the baby might be born in a few hours.

"That's good." 

Not exactly the words Elvis was looking for, but as soon as he got off the phone, Roxann was asking, "What did he say?"

"Oh you know, busy with work and all."

Elvis smiled. He had a feeling Roxann really wanted a party, but there was none. Just her mother. Finally, he went in the hallway to call Nonnie who he knew wouldn't travel all this way from Lincoln. After all, her baby was due any day.

"Do you know, anyone I could call?" Elvis asked as if they should have made a plan or something. There was that little baby shower at work, but he couldn't see her co-workers dropping in now. 

"Look, I wouldn't want any of you to be there if I was in labor," Nonnie said it was the kind of affair where they needed to be alone and let the nurses and doctor do their work.

Elvis knew she was right, but it felt to him Rox needed more cheering than just him. "I'll try to make her understand." 

Of course, when he went back in, she was sobbing. She didn't want to have anymore labor pains. "I don't think anybody likes me."

"Everyone loves you," he practically crawled into bed with her. "You can't give up now. We've got a son that needs all our love."

She was in tears and finally her mother came in and made over Rox as if she was just a little girl again. Evidently, it worked. All the sobbing and hugging helped. Maybe those two would be close again. At least her mother was including him, every step of the way.

It was a new beginning. And baby Maxwell would be here soon.

Back to the howling, old owl

 Nonnie thought she had a lot to be thankful for this past year. It was great to have the fifty-dollar gift cards from Weezer's dad. One for her and one for Weezer.

"I think I should save it for a new phone," she told him. She would just start buying Amazon cards each month and save up for something with a nice camera.

"A new phone? Why would you need a new phone?" He looked at her as if she should buy something fun. He said they could always check into their phone plan and see what was available.

"I know we would be in debt in no time, " Nonnie gave him a look that she would just keep the gift card in her undie drawer and add to it in the coming months.

"Well, you said you needed a new one," Weezer sat on the bed as if he was done with the holidays. It would be back to college classes soon. Naturally, he extended a hand as if they could dance in their room, or be cozy in bed.

"I think Rox is on the right track," Nonnie put some moisturizer on her face and then her hands as she got ready for bed in her new smiley face sleep pants and tee. Weezer matched. They'd found the pajamas together and decided it would be best to have them to unwrap during Christmas. She also donned her Smiley-Face slippers too. Their holiday might have been low-budget, but it was sweet and she was happy they were OK. "She's been really good at opening," Nonnie said about Rox at the pizzeria. She sighed. Still, the nights felt long even if they did close at eight. More people came in late at night; sometimes, it felt forever to close because she didn't want to make anyone angry. The goal was to only work the evenings, but she knew Rox needed her and so Nonnie felt horribly tired.

"Yeah, those two have been pretty lucky this Christmas," was Weezer's take on Roxanne and Elvis. "They got a car. He even went with her to her Mom's. It looks like Elvis is in it for the long haul." He nodded.

Weezer reminded her he wasn't terribly impressed with Elvis, to begin with, but he was right as a roommate. He cleaned up and he was quiet and Rox was always there to be a part of the group.

"Maybe he's growing on me. Or he's just growing up," Weezer said he knew Elvis was trying to find a full-time job.

"How can he do that?" Nonnie winced. "Isn't he still in high school?"

"I think he's just got one class now. And most of it is at the University." Weezer nodded. Nonnie smiled back as she came closer and fell into his lap. She guessed Weezer and Elvis were friends, after all.

It's just a simple line

 

Rox felt she was in the eye of the storm. All she wanted was to be in her room. At peace, perhaps.

Sure, she'd been doing a lot with Elvis, and sometimes, she felt she was spending the 7 days of Elvis' birthday these days. Then again, he took her mind off a lot of things.

And then there was that guy at the apartment. Wade.

She cringed as soon as she saw him there in the livingroom. 

"Who let you in?" Rox spit out before she had the nerve to be quiet. Pan was nowhere in sight.

"You need to leave," His voice was deep as if he'd been with the FBI all along and this was a matter of investigation of some kind. He was straight-lipped as if she better do as she was told.

"But, but I live here," she wanted him to go. Maybe she was the one who should call the cops. Was he really on the force too?

"Don't you know, you are the problem."

Rox felt her chest tighten. He knew. What had Pan told him? OK, yes..he knew everything. Obviously. She shook her head, no. She was in tears. This couldn't be happening. Not now. She'd been on her feet practically all day. She needed to just chill. She wouldn't bother Pan.

"Get your shit and go." It was as if Wade knew where she would be. "He needs you out of here."

Fifteen minutes later she was Tristan's with her suitcase. Of course, Elvis found her first and she fell into him sobbing.

"What's going on?" They were home alone.

"It's that butthead, that Pan knows," she managed to get out as she looked grimly up at him. "He said I had to get out."

Elvis only smiled. She knew he must have been happy.

"You're here. It's gonna be fine. You'll see." He nodded and they went to their room. Some of her stuff was already there. She looked around wondering if all of her stuff could fit in here. Elvis had a box of stuff to call his own, a few tees, and a couple of jeans. 

"I'm sorry he said those things," Elvis told her.

"You don't even know him. He's such an ass." She'd wanted to say it before, but she didn't want Elvis to know how she could be such a pouty mouth. She was trying to be OK these days. It felt everything was better. She liked working with Nonnie. 

"We should just get the rest of your things and get it done," he told her. Soon Weezer arrived. Elvis went to talk to him, to see if he could help.

Rox sat on the lumpy bed.  She wanted her bed. It was hers. Still, she exploded in tears once again. She really hadn't seen this coming. It was almost Christmas and the world felt so cold.

I'll be here every night and day

 

It might as well have been an earthquake. Rox thought she might collapse when she saw the results in the bathroom. It was a rush of excitement for Elvis. Before she knew it, he had her down to the Emergency Care to get checked out which meant going on to the hospital.  Just what Rox wanted to do on an early Saturday morning. NOT.

Just as she was mumbling herself while on rewind, trying to figure out why she took the goddamn test in the first place. Oh yeah, Elvis brought it home because he thought she was coming down with something. He thought it might be best.

"Well, it's good that you got pregnant, when you did," The female doctor told her she didn't have that many eggs to begin with.

"Eggs?" It made her nauseous. 

"This might be your only chance to have one." The doctor's words left her in limbo. How could this be happening? Then she looked at Elvis and wanted to tell him it was all his fault. Of course, she hadn't been on birth control since she'd met him.

"We can do this!" She knew Elvis' promise was genuine. 

Rox nodded. But it was a lot to think about. Especially, the next nine months. She touched her stomach. She would be going through changes. Was she mentally up for it? Of course, she was the assistant manager at Mel's now. This meant she focused a lot of attention on scheduling people to work and making sure supplies were always there for good use.

"I think I have to go throw up." She went to the bathroom and did her thing. She cried as she washed her face. She knew she needed to do this for the both of them. They were moving forward. She'd never felt life going so fast and yet so steady. This was no time to freak out. She was going to have a baby.

This was the new Rox, not old Roxanne who used to be with Pan. But she couldn't help to think, if she and Pan had had a baby it would be in third grade by now. She blinked tears. What was the use of thinking of imaginary children? This was real with Elvis. And she knew she needed to be her healthiest.

On the way home, he showed her an opening in personnel at the University. "I don't want you on your feet. You need a nice place to work."

"But it is nice-" Rox hesitated.

"Not that nice," he told her. "I want to be close by."

Rox took a deep breath. She guessed she would apply.

I knew we were meant to be

 

Wade didn't see it coming. Not with his baby brother Elvis, but Elvis rarely went solo when he asked him to meet up at the coffee shop. Of course, it was too hot for coffee and they got cold frappucinos even if Wade knew it was too late in the day for him to have caffeine. After all, Elvis was buying so it had to be good news.

Elvis told him about the baby. No way could Wade react. Roxanne pregnant. He hated the fact it was her. Anyone else and he'd be a happy fool. Now he just had to act like one. 

"That's just great," Wade knew he was being silly after he choked on the drink and almost spewed it on Elvis who was grinning like an idiot.

"I know. I know you don't think it'll happen." Elvis finally sighed as his smile faded. He played with the straw in his thick creamy drink. He wouldn't even look at Wade.

"Well," Wade winced. "She never wanted kids with Pan."

"He never wanted kids."

Wade looked at him blankly. For a fleeting moment, he thought Pan would make a good dad. Wade never thought he could do it. He cleared his throat.

"Maybe, this..this is the way it's supposed to be."

Wade was serious, and that's when Elvis told him about Rox's egg situation. Naturally, Wade was thinking about the dozen you pick up at the supermarket.

"Is that what they're calling it these days?" Wade smirked. Elvis didn't comment. "See?" Wade knew he had to be happy for Elvis. "It was meant to be. And..and I'll try to be the best uncle I can be." He spoke up for Pan as if he'd be there every step of the way.

"Does this mean you and Pan are getting married?" Elvis looked him in the eye. Wade thought he might fall off his chair in the empty coffee shop.

"What about you?" He came back with. He told him Elvis and Rox were the ones to get married. 

Knowing my fate is to be with you

 

It could have been an earthquake. Rox felt as if her life was crumbling around her. Things did not end well with her mother at Christmas. But Elvis was with her as if they'd somehow suffice.

Thankfully, her mom was gentle around Elvis, and it had been a jolly time with her mom's fruitcake and marathon of old Christmas movies. Still, Rox couldn't wait to leave and then her mom got her alone in the kitchen.

"You just can't get out of this rut, can you?" Her mother said Elvis was no better than Pan. "Is this some kind of reboot for you? Is he good in bed?"

Rox couldn't think of a thing to come back with. She'd let her mother believe whatever in the hell she wanted to believe.

Still, days later Rox was stewing about it. She was furious with her mother making her feel she would never be good enough for anything. Her mother said Rox should have a degree about now. Didn't she know what she wanted to do with her life?

"Don't come begging for me to help you, 'cause I'm not giving you a dime," her mother said. Rox guessed she got her evil eye from her mother because she was certain they must have been too much alike.

"Are you kidding me," Elvis laughed when Rox brought it up. "Don't listen to her. She doesn't even know you, but I do."

Rox couldn't help but smile.  Yes, it wasn't long until she made her bed and she'd live in it just like her mother said.

Of course, at four in the morning, she wanted to tell her mom a few bitter things. But she didn't. However, she found herself texting, "Yes, he is good in bed." But she erased it. She'd just let it be a mystery.

Perhaps she was moving on. 

At breakfast, Elvis asked her if she knew any foreign languages. He was looking at his phone. There was an opening at the University to assist a professor.

"Um, nope." She bit into a piece of buttered toast while he sipped his coffee. "Did you apply?" She asked

He laughed. "I did apply at the University." There was a chance he could get on in the mailroom. Somebody he knew while working at the grocery store told him about it. It could be a chance he could go to the University for free and it was fulltime with insurance.

For fear that the spell may be broken

 

It might as well have been a white night of imperfection, but somehow Elvis got the mess picked up on the grocery isle and all was back intact. Yes, Christmas was coming. Only, it felt a little tainted somehow.

First it would be his birthday the week before. He hadn't made any plans yet. He knew he'd find a way to get Rox to celebrate his eighteenth birthday. He'd think of something. As he put another bottle in place. A can of candy there. Well, it didn't look too misplaced. He guessed.

"Oh, you are artist," it was almost a laugh. Elvis even knew who it was. He turned and smiled.

"I thought I'd find you here," his brother, half-brother was taller and better looking of course, but he smiled at Elvis as if he'd been planning this.

"Oh, my dearest Wade, what brings you here?" Elvis tilted his head.

"I know it's been a long time." Wade shrugged and looked at all the nice packages in the display. "So bro, you know they keep calling me into work. So always on the run...not like I forgot about you. I mean, you are the good brother."

"I know, but it was your birthday then. I don't see Shelly anymore. What happened?" Elvis looked at him blankly. They didn't know each other that well. Just a year or so. Actually, it was Wade who found him. And they said they'd keep in touch, but it was rare. Not like the holidays or anything. It was new to Elvis too, but he was glad there was someone older and wiser and a police officer too. Yeah, it felt a little safer now. 

"She went back to her mom's," he told him as he took a bag of candy to inspect. Wade was never in a uniform. "We weren't spending enough time together, evidently."

Elvis had never met anyone so 'take it or leave it' kind of attitude that this relative inspired.

"But don't you miss the baby?" Elvis liked the idea of being somebody's uncle.

"You know, it's not mine," Wade tilted his head toward him as if it was no big deal. 

Elvis nodded. He guessed he could be indifferent too, and maybe he could see why Shelly left. It was Wade pure and simple. 

"I'm sure I can't do anything for your birthday," Wade told him. His birthday had been around the fourth and they'd had a cookout at the park. Even had a few fireworks. Really, it was good to feel he was family. But no more Shelly with the baby. "But you can count on Christmas."

Elvis faintly smiled. He wasn't counting on it. There was no reason to tell him about the bout with his mother either. 

"I moved out," he then said he was living with friends. 

"About time," Wade smiled and passed the candy to Elvis. Wade walked passed him and took an energy drink. Elvis didn't want him to walk away. Of course, Wade still wouldn't tell him how bad his twin brother was. After all he was the aloof one.

It's a livin' thing

 

Ari was at a loss for words. What was happening here? Was this what he thought it meant?

Not that Pan was acting randy or anything around Wade out at the steakhouse, but when they started to share each other's plates, it was just a little too intimate for Ari. 

Well, he'd never.

"Here, taste this?" Jade pushed a fried shrimp into his mouth. Her smile was so silly. She knew perfectly well Pan and Wade were more than just friends. He felt like the last to know.

Ari almost choked. No way was he sharing his rib-eye with her. He just didn't do things like that. He wasn't raised that way.

Wade asked how their month was going. He even talked to Jade a bit about where she worked. Which startled Ari. After all, Wade never said much.

"I have to start going to the gym again," he said as he sipped water while playing with his baked sweet potato. Pan handed him more butter as if he knew exactly what Wade needed.

Ari knew he could accept it, but he felt a little weak in the chest. How had it turned out this way? When did it happen? Had it always been like this?

By the end of the evening, Pan said they should do this again. Of course, Pand and Wade paid for Ari and Jade's dinner.

"We'll get dinner next time," Ari agreed. No way was he expecting free meals. And it felt weird this time getting a hug from both Pan and Wade.

"Oh, I don't know what you're worried about," Jade said later when they got home from the heavy meal. Of course, Ari got out the red wine as if he needed it.

He settled on the couch without a smile, holding his glass of wine while Jade only went for half a glass and filled the rest with Bubbly.

"Look, if we ever have a kid, they'll be the best uncles ever." She told him. He looked at her blankly.

"What's that supposed to mean?" She was drinking wine too. She couldn't possibly be-.

Jade laughed out loud and took a sip of wine as she folded her legs under her short skirt on the couch and looked him in the eye.

"Gotcha!" She practically poked him in the stomach. She then talked about growing up with uncles who weren't blood-related. "We were on a lot of different bases. It's not that big of a deal."

"Yeah, but..but I kept thinking..maybe..maybe Pan and Rox would get back together," Ari said after he drank some of the red wine. He sighed.

"Oh, baby..those two are never ever getting back together," Jade chuckled. She said she'd seen how Rox worked hard at Mel's and Elvis was Wade's little brother. "Those two are getting it together."

"How would you know?" he scowled.

"I talk to Dale all the time," Jade mentioned how she sometimes dropped by the place. She didn't always see Dale. Sometimes, Dale would leave her little notebooks of information about where Jade worked. "I see Elvis and Rox occasionally."

Ari nodded. He was beginning to think he might be the antisocial instead of Jade. Still, if he could only get her to want to go out with Justin and Vada.

"Oh, you know they have no money," Jade squinted. "The best we can do is invite them over for dinner."

Ari remained even-lipped. It was true Pan was the best even if he had boyfriend now.

Where you venture, I will follow

 Elvis was pleased when Rox got on at the University as a maintenance secretary. Possibly, she didn't like anyone knowing about it, but it paid the bills and helped with the insurance. 

"It could lead to something else," Elvis knew she had the talent and she wouldn't be on her feet.

"But you aren't on a walk-talkie all day with men," Rox told him. However, she didn't pout too much about it. There were other women she worked with and he knew she could get used to it. Elvis was settling into his job and could hardly wait to be a Daddy.

"Now if only we weren't alone," he said one night after dinner. He did the cleaning up leaving her to watch.

"What do you mean?" She sounded curious. Of course, she was already holding her stomach as if she about to pop although, she wasn't showing.

"I don't know, you know, another couple to help guide us, I guess," Elvis shrugged. He was certain there was an app for that, but he wished they knew another pregnant couple.

"Well, as long as we are both there for all the appointments," Rox said. "It should be fine."

She was wearing more loose clothing these days, which he thought was kind of funny since most women wore the tightest outfits to show off the baby bump. But Rox was always slumming in her cosmic sleep pants and baggy tee the moment she got home. Usually, she was sick as soon as she stepped in the apartment and then couldn't eat enough bread and butter. Elvis didn't know she would be this way, but he didn't know what to expect.

Also, she was not very nice to her mother. Funny, her mother called every night, but the phone calls ended bitterly. 

"You need to be nice to her, we might need her to babysit someday," he'd said about the matter. Of course, she bit back. "I don't want her to even see the baby."

It was a delicate subject. Really, he wondered if he needed to find a Soon To Be Daddy support group, but as luck would have it, Weezer called. He was gonna be a daddy too.

In a world of strangers

 "All I'm saying," Weezer confided to Nonnie as they got ready for bed. "He's like a reboot of Pan."

He pulled back the covers and waited for Nonnie to get in. He'd put on an extra blanket since it was getting colder and a chance of snow. Hopefully, Elvis didn't have a problem with the thermostat so low, but Tristan did a lot of the same measures that Nic did when it came to apartment living.

"I don't even want a talk about him," she snuggled up next to him. "I hope Rox hasn't lost all her senses."

"Oh, she's not in bed with him," Weezer chuckled softly in her ear as they cuddled.

"Not that we know of," Nonnie shrugged. It was as if she wouldn't put anything past Rox.

"He's smitten," Weezer said about the Elvis matter.

"Yeah, Rox can't be smothered, she wouldn't know what to do," Nonnie told him.

"Precisely," Weezer agreed. "I kind of feel sorry for the kid, but not really." He wanted to say something about Pan. Of course, he was one dude Weezer had stopped trying to figure out. Besides, Nonnie was intoxicating just being next to him and the chemistry soon ignited and he wasn't thinking about anyone but her. 

He kissed her then and she kissed back as if she was happy he'd decided to shut up about the new roommate matter. Weezer smiled when he looked down at her. It was good to see her happy. Yes, it was truly a nice Thanksgiving, just being with friends. No way, was he gonna worry about that phone call he was supposed to have with his dad. 

Naturally, his dad was still worried about his sister and Weezer didn't have any news. It was best to be in his own little world with Nonnie. When she touched him, he knew where he belonged. He didn't dare feel sorry about it. They were one together and somehow this was the path he would never be sidetracked from. Maybe, if he did keep his classes up this semester, he would finally be able to get on with the company building jet engines.

Hoyt felt like it was old times, being at Mona's parents, but add in Ari's friend and Jade and well, it didn't feel quite like the memories he remembered back in his school days. Of course, they were always busy playing games of some kind back then. Now he was adulting and it wasn't nearly as fun. 

"Didn't was do a marathon of all the Harry Potter movies back then?" He asked Mona as he got out all the DVDs,  back at their apartment. He just wanted to veg except they didn't have a DVD player.

She looked at him and shook her head as if he would never grow up. "I thought you wanted to watch the new Hunger Games movie?"

"Not really," he confessed with a scowl and shrug. "It's a prequel. I don't get it."

Mona sighed. He knew she wanted to go. He wanted to stay home. Naturally, he thought he could stay in bed after Thanksgiving dinner, but he knew he should chill and let her decide. Although, he didn't have time for all this talk. 

"It's fine, I don't want to go out," she shrugged as if she was sad.

"What's got you all down?" He put his arm around her there on the couch as if he could get cozy if she'd just let him.

"Oh, I dunno, Ari being like a Self-Help Coach of some kind," She frowned as if she didn't like this Justin guy.

"What do you men?" Hoyt was serious. Was there something she wasn't telling him? "Did he come on to you?"

Mona laugh. "I love making you jealous," she tickled him then and Hoyt laughed. But she told him that wasn't it. "I think Justin is into Ari."

"You would," Hoyt rolled his eyes at that, but the guy was friendly enough. He really didn't know that much about him.

"I just don't want him take Ari's money," she told him. "I mean, Ari is tight with money, but you get hi on a cause..and well, he might pay it forward."

"No, he wouldn't." Hoyt shook his head, no. "If Ari was gonna help anyone, it would be Pan. Now that's a bromance. Wish I knew one was like." He sighed.

Now he had Mona smiling. "My poor Hoyt needs a boyfriend." She tickled him in the ribs then and they played around until the heat turned into something else. 

Hoyt looked at her ever so serious. "You know you're all that I'll ever need." He smiled and he kissed her as if they hadn't had sex on the couch since they moved in.