"Love is but the discovery of ourselves in others, and the delight in the recognition." — Alexander Smith

Yes, this is a update, lol. I went back and wrote two bonus scenes, just because something was digging at me to. 😂

The time frame is that six months have passed from the previous chapter! (It won't affect Levi & Raven's book; theirs start a week and a half after the previous chapter of this one ends!)
——————————————————————

Bonus | 1
<—————————————>

Maggie

The coin chilled my fingers as I grinned at my boys. "Heads or tails?"

"Tails," both Ledger and Luke responded.

I shot them a grin. "So, the losing side, then?"

"Tails is the winning side..." Ledge's eyes jerked over to Luke in a panic. "Right?"

Luke nodded, suppressing a grin with a glare to me. "Hell yeah it is." He bumped shoulders with Ledge, humor in his eyes. "Don't listen to her. My girl can't even pronounce quarters right."

I scowled and kicked him under the table, earning a chuckle. Jerk.

Rolling my eyes, I tossed the coin in the air.

Luke lunged forward, trying to catch it before I did. "Don't you dare cheat, Maggie—"

I held him back with a palm to the face, breaking through my laughter to say, "I won't!" I would.

Luke playfully placed his hand against my face like I did him, and I swatted it away with a grin, our laughter filling the air. Then, we playfully pushed each other, ending up back in our seats with matching scowls, one that we knew was only ours.

I wiped my scowl off for a smirk, flicking my head at him. "That's right," I gloated, smugly. "Sit back down when I tell you to, Palce."

Luke scoffed. "Funny, because I saw your ass tumbling right back down into your seat, too, Norris."

"Oh, stop it, we both sat down at the same—"

Ledge's laughter was small, but it was enough to make my heart melt. He glanced between the both of us, as tickled as can be. "You're both crazy."

"Mhm, and that's one of the reasons why I love her so much." Luke chuckled, throwing a sly wink my way, causing my cheeks to flush. "We won, Norris. Admit it."

I nearly flipped him off, before I remembered Ledge. My eyes lowered to the coin in my hand. The heads side was face up.

I sighed and raised my eyes. "I guess we're having pepperoni and pineapple."

They shared the most cockiest fist bump of all time, as well as laughs. It was the reason why I lied, because I knew they both liked those toppings. The heads side, mine, was just cheese, but I just wanted to see them both in smiles so I said and pretended otherwise.

When I got home from classes today, Luke and Ledger stood on the steps, matching stubborn expressions and eager mouths ready to argue. It wasn't until Ledger flashed the smile he'd learned from Luke, that I realized he was asking to go to the arcade and pizza. From Luke's reaction when I said yes, though, I could tell he was just as excited about it. 

"Pepperoni and pineapple," I scoffed playfully. "Disgusting."

"It's not as bad as you think," Ledger said. "Sweet and spicy. It's perfect."

Luke snorted, lifting his drink to his lips. "Sounds real familiar, doesn't it, Norris?"

I thumped him in the knee, nearly making him spill his drink. "Funny how you only got so mouthy after getting whooped in air hockey the way you did."

Scoffing, he placed his drink down, and over the table, grabbed my hand. "I wouldn't know, because I didn't get whooped." Butterflies fluttered in my tummy as he kissed my palm, our fingers entwining.

"You kind of did," Ledge murmured, focused on the slinky toy he won at the arcade.

"Told you." My smirk formed around my straw, earning Luke's glare before he directed it at Ledger, "You're supposed to be on my side. I'm your sibling, not her."

I snorted. "There's a difference between supporting a sibling and supporting someone whose lost was so bad, they nearly made air hockey wipe its own self out of business just to avoid being played by you."

Ledger glanced up to Luke with a sympathetic smile. "Yeah, sorry. There's a line of embarrassment I won't cross, and with the way Maggie tripped you over it today, I'll stay where I am."

A glare ran over Luke's face, making the both of us laugh.

Rolling his eyes, he rose from the booth, grumbling, "I'm going to get the pizza."

Ledger and I found humor in his attitude, something I cherished more than anything.

Once our laughter subsided, I smiled at Ledger. "Did you have fun today?"

He nodded eagerly. "I did, did you?"

"Absolutely." I shrugged off my jacket; it was warm as shit in here. "What game was your favorite?"

"The basketball one was so fun," he said, his lips forming a big smile. "Luke nearly threw the ball at his own face."

He hadn't told me that. I was on the phone with Jax at the time they were playing that game. "He did?" I laughed. "How?"

A mischievous grin wandered over his small face as he shrugged. "Since I knew it'd distract him long enough to give me a win, I may have told him that I saw a cut on your finger and that you were bleeding."

"I'm so proud of you." I knew Luke nearly broke his neck jerking around when he heard it. "You remembered what I told you, I'm guessing?"

"Cheating isn't technically cheating if we play it into a win," he recited what I had told him when we were both whooping Luke's ass in Uno. "And, to never tell Luke."

I offered a fist bump over the table, and he returned it with the biggest grin. "Heck yeah." Our laughter mingled before I added, "Your brother and I—"

Quick footsteps echoed through the pizzeria, coming our way.

When I turned, I saw Luke coming back from the counter, but without the food. His familiar cologne enveloped my senses, alerting me of his presence before the jolt of my body and the trigger of my smile did.

When he stopped right behind me, I tipped my head back to him, confused. "What are you—" My words were interrupted as he wrapped a hand around my throat to keep me to him, leaving a quick kiss to my lips, then another, until my heart was having to work extra hard just to catch up.

When he pulled back, he ran a hand through my hair, a silly grin on. "I forgot to tell you I love you."

My expression softened until it couldn't, a pleasurable feeling dowsing me over. I couldn't take him.

I kissed his cheek this time, smiling against it. "I love you."

We both matched the others fondness as I kissed his forehead. "Sap." Luke, wearing a smirk, returned my kiss to the forehead, managing to ignite the spot his lips grazed. "Smartass."

We shared a quick, electrifying kiss before he turned back to our order. I watched his backside for a moment, a heart struck smile gracing my lips, before I refocused my attention on Ledger.

I quickly noticed his shift. Luke and I had been with him for the past six months, and despite him being Luke's younger brother, I still saw him as my baby. I could read him as easily as I could read his brother now.

"Hey," I called, gently tapping his foot beneath the table. His gaze shifted up to meet mine. "What's up?"

He let out a sigh, his gaze dropping. "It's not that important."

"It is to me."

His reluctant cover lowered at my reassurance. "I was thinking about something. It's kind of dumb, but..." He shrugged quickly. "I want a picture of Luke and I to put up in my room."

"Really?"

He nodded. "I love him, and he's my big brother. I want it for myself and to show my friends when they come over, so they can see him too."

"That's not dumb, not at all." I smiled at him, realizing that in his room, I'd seen posters of cartoons and anime characters, as well as some pictures of him and I together, but none of him and Luke.

"I don't have one," he admitted, shaking his head. "I'm a bit nervous to ask Luke for it."

"Why?"

"I don't know if he'll say yes or not."

I softened my expression. "Of course he'll say yes."

He glanced up at me with shy eyes. "You think so?"

"Are you kidding me? You're his best friend just as much as he is yours." I reached across the table to playfully nudge his hand. "I better still be your number one, though."

His insecure dipped into humor. "Always," he replied, grinning. His eyes lowered again, but when they rose, they were less clouded with nerves. "What if he says no, though?"

I shrugged. "Then, I'll bodyslam him into next year."

Ledge burst into laughter, and when it subsided, I said, "I promise you, though. You don't have a thing to worry about. I can ask him, if you want."

"Will you?"

"Of course," I reassured him with a smile. "And I bet he'll be just as happy about it, too." I knew he would, actually. He adored any moment with his brother.

"Okay." Ledge's uneasiness dissipated as he nodded. A grin started to lift his cheeks, the sight as adorable as ever. "Thank you."

Before I could respond, my attention was drawn to Luke in the corner of my eye. He held our drinks and two plates of pizza. I shot Ledge an encouraging smile, and he responded with a grateful one.

As Luke placed the pizzas on the table, he slid a second one in front of me, planting a kiss on the top of my head. "I got you your own with only cheese, baby."

My blood sparked into fire as I squeezed his arm, a smile instantaneously finding my lips. "Thank you."

Him and Ledger were seated on the same side of the booth, while I had my own. While Luke settled into his seat, I seized the opportunity to take out my phone and type a message.

Luke, already about to take a bite of his pizza, paused when he felt his phone vibrate. His eyes jumped to mine before he retrieved it from his pocket.

Me: Hey.

Luke: Bye.

I shot him a glare, and he responded with a grin. Rolling my eyes, I returned to our messages.

Me: I need to talk to you.

Luke: We're already dating, Norris.

My cluelessness increased at that; how in the hell...

Me: Obviously. What does that have to do with anything?

Luke: I know you're trying to hit on me. I'm not falling for it.

Me: How the hell did you get that out of my last message?

Luke: You've been staring at me all day, baby.

Me: That's what usually happens when a person is standing in front of another freaking person.

Luke: You were batting your eyelashes.

Me: Luke...you mean blinking?

Luke: You kept putting lip gloss on around me.

Me: I wasn't the one who kept kissing it off, was I?

Luke: Don't try to play it off, now. You're already mine, beautiful. Admit it.

Me: Luke, look up.

He did. I flipped him off.

Luke: Fuck.

Me: What?

Luke: I just fell even harder for you, baby.

My cheeks flushed with heat as I tore my gaze away from the phone. My blood had gone to mush, and before I knew it, my heart was joining it.

Damn it. He had gotten me distracted. 

Still flustered, I forced myself back to the original mission.

Me: Ledger and I were talking. He wants a picture of the both of you to hang up in his room, but is a bit nervous to ask. Can you bring it up? Make it subtle, though.

Me: If you say no to him, you're getting body slammed through the wall, by the way. Love you.

Luke raised a brow as he read over what I told him. It fell when he turned to Ledger. "Why wouldn't I want a picture with you?"

Hell. I forgot subtle didn't exist in Luke's dictionary.

Ledge, with pizza-filled cheeks, glanced up at Luke, his throat betraying either nerves or a swallow.

He blinked past his shock and asked, "Do you?"

Luke nodded firmly, "Hell yeah." The funny thing was that Luke had wanted a picture of him and Ledger, too, but like his brother, was too nervous to ask. "Why wouldn't I?"

"I don't know," Ledge shrugged, the color returning to his cheeks. "I didn't wanna hear you say no."

Luke gave Ledge a softer look, bumping his shoulder. "You never have to ask me for anything, kid. I promise I want it all with you."

My heart melted seeing them together. I couldn't get enough of the sight.

Once they posed, I took the picture, and saved it. Luke didn't smile, but that was how it was always with him when it came to pictures. I had gotten into the habit of physically pulling his lips into a smile until he broke out in laughter, then I'd snap the picture. It annoyed him, but it got the job done.

After taking their photo, I promised Ledger that I'd have it framed and ready for him the next time we saw him, which would be next week.

Ledger's mother, four months clean, had settled into a routine with us. We kept Ledger every weekend, sometimes more, since he'd often ask to stay over early, and neither Luke or I had the heart to tell him no.

I had helped Luke figure out a plan on that part. After Ledge's mother finished the rehabilitation program, Luke had gotten her an apartment, so that Ledge wouldn't have to stay in their old neighborhood, and paid up the bills for a while in order to allow her time to stabilize herself financially. Now,,she was employed again and more present to Ledger.

Luke had been conflicted on this part, but like him, I didn't want to just snatch her from Ledger, nor did I want to hold her addiction against her forever. It was a sickness before all else, and it wasn't something that could be fixed with a single tool. But, it wasn't Ledge's responsibility to fix her or be the sufferer of her mistakes, either.

Once she was cleared, Luke and I set the rules in place. In order for her to keep custody, there would be routinely drug tests for her, as well as surprise ones, pop up visits by the apartment so that Luke and I could check that nothing was going on, and stuff like that. If she failed a single test, then we take custody of Ledger. She had to actually be a mother to her son, both mentally and physically, as well as being involved in his educational activities and things like that. So far, she hadn't failed a test, nor had we seen or heard anything negative from Ledge, so things were working out good there, thankfully.

A clatter interrupted my thoughts as I saw pizza on the floor.

"Shit," Luke rushed, gently pulling Ledger back before the hot pizza could hurt him.

I tried to catch up, then, "What happened?"

"I had it too close to the edge of the table." Ledge glanced over the floor, then back to us, an apologetic look in his eyes. "I'm sorry."

Luke shook his head, gently squeezing at his shoulder as his gaze softened. "Nah, don't apologize. It was an accident." I nodded in agreement, running a hand through his honey brown locks. "You're fine, hun."

"Are you sure?" he returned, glancing between us and the mess.

Luke nodded, his gaze softening as he looked at his brother. "Of course," he said softly. My heart swelled at the gentleness he had for Ledger. "How about you go get cleaned up, though? We'll have a new pizza here by the time you're back. Cheese sticks, too."

Ledger's face lit up with excitement. He turned to me, eyes wide. "Can I? Please?"

I didn't want him to get a stomach ache from all of the dairy like last time we ate here, but he looked too adorable for me to tell him no, so I'd let it slide. He had learned a couple things from his brother when it came to buttering me up, that was for sure.

I playfully groaned. "Fine." His grin made mine grow as I shrugged, "I'll even try the pineapple pizza this time, too. Just one slice, though."

Excitement gleamed in his eyes. "Really?"

"Mhm. I might pass out, but..." My smile carried a teasing tone, "You'll catch me, won't you?"

"Well..." His eyes lowered as he chewed on the corner of his cheek, a mannerism so much like Luke. "I'm kind of a 'run now, think about who I could have saved later' kind of person, so probably not," he admitted, before his face lit up with a grin, "I'll tell Luke to, though."

Laughing, I nodded, and we shared a quick hug. Him and Luke exchanged fist bumps, before he left to the bathroom, so that it was just the two of us.

As I scooted out from the booth, I crouched to grab the platter. Luke stopped me with a kiss to the side of my head, saying, "I got it, angel."

While he did that, I went to the counter to place our order. It would take a minute, so I returned to our booth. Once Luke raised himself up, I tugged him down until he was sitting next to me.

I bumped into his shoulder. "Notice how we lost the shitty pizza instead of the good one?"

Luke scowled, but a grin soon broke through. "I can't wait to hear how much shit you talk when you actually try it," he said, bumping our knees together and his hand resting on my thigh. "I don't care what goes on, though. Nothing could ever ruin this for me."

My head tilted, a smile playing at my lips. "What do you mean?"

"This. Us. You and me," he said, softly. Under the table, his hand found mine, his thumb gently tracing hearts on the back, melting me into a puddle. "My brother and me. My other two brothers who get on my last fucking nerve, but who I still love, regardless." We both laughed at that before he added, "I never thought I could have any of this, but now that I do,and now that I get to experience it with my other half, too..." My blush deepened as his grin grew. "I know that not shit can touch this feeling of just every fucking thing being amazing. Perfect. Especially you, Norris."

Just as my heart softened, it nearly stopped when he looked at me with those adoring eyes. Admiration radiated from them.

I smiled at him. "I get it. I've never known true contentment, happiness, until you came barging right in with that foul mouth and snarky attitude of yours." Luke's grin had a charming effect on me, and my own smile couldn't help but mirror his. "I don't care what else goes on, though. As long as you're here with me, nothing else matters."  I squeezed his hand and then cupped his jaw, letting go only so I could place his hand in my lap. "You're stuck with me now, too. Just in case you needed a reminder of that."

Luke cast me a silly look. "You're stuck with me, you mean."

I held out a middle finger. "Like glue?"

Luke took my finger, his smirk radiating amusement. "What the fuck else, Norris?"

I squeezed his finger, my laughter fading as our gazes locked, comforting and intimate. We moved simultaneously, our connection sealed with a kiss.

His pleased sigh made my lips curve upwards. Luke accepted my smile with his own, holding me close by cupping my cheek. Our kiss was electric from every angle, but the love I breathed for him was the most powerful force though it all.

When we parted, our smiles were for each other. They always would be.

"I love you," I said softly, and his response was equally tender, "I love you, angel."

I gave one last peck on his lips before leaning back, a dazed smile on. The feeling of only right hadn't left my soul, nor my body in the smallest bit, though.

Luke's tongue traced his lips, a lazy grin playing on his face as he tasted my lip gloss. His eyes met mine, a smug look in them. "I knew you were hitting on me."

I rolled my eyes, pushing him back by his chest. "I'm never texting you, again."

"Uh huh," he teased, smirking. "Remember that shit when you're wanting me to respond to those dumb ass puns you send me when you're supposed to be paying attention in class, Norris."

I scowled. "You're the one who keeps answering them."

Chuckling, Luke leaned forward and placed a kiss on my blushing cheek. "As long as they're coming from you, you know I'll never stop, baby."

Ledge returned from the bathroom, and fortunately, the food had arrived by the time he did. Once it was cooled down, I pushed aside the disgust I had just to see Ledger smile, and tried the pineapple-pepperoni pizza.

I could admit it. It wasn't that bad.

Because we had spent a long time at the arcade, we decided to call it a night, especially since I had an early shift in the morning. I was surprised by the mechanic shop's early hours, but I appreciated it because my classes followed right after, allowing me to get everything done in one go.

The drive to Ledger's house was quick, as it wasn't too far from our own. We had chosen it intentionally, just in case there was an emergency with him.

In the backseat, Ledger had his headphones on, engrossed in something on his tablet. Luke played with my hand as he drove, and I intertwined our fingers, tugging and pulling at his fingers until he scowled at me.

I grinned back at him. "You know what time it is?"

"For you to stop trying to see if my bones are damn play dough?" He glanced down at the hand in my lap, warily. He hadn't moved it, though. "Spoiler alert: they're not, woman."

Laughing, I shook my head. "I know we did it this morning, but today's different," I said. "Tell me another one."

Luke groaned. "Norris—"

"You're not getting out of it, pretty boy, so start."

I had forced him into this routine that we'd been doing for the past six months. Every morning, I would tell him something I loved about him, and he would reciprocate with something he loved about me. I found it sweet, and a way to earn his blushes.

Luke rolled his eyes when hearing my own about him, but I had warmed him up to it as time went on. Seeing him blush every time made it all the more worthwhile.

"The way you make me lightheaded as shit from how happy you make me." At my laugh, he grinned before adding, "And how you make everything a better and a positive for me, without even trying," he said, a smile lifting his lips as he stared down the road ahead. "I love that about you, baby."

My heart danced in my chest, and a smile spread across my lips like it belonged there all along. If only he knew.

I placed my hand on top of his. "The fact that you exist, and out of everyone and everything, I was the one blessed with you," I spoke from the depths of my heart. "I love that about you."

Luke's gaze shifted from the road to mine, filled with admiration and mirrored awe.

"You're beautiful in every single way there is, and you made me lucky enough to be able to wake up that beauty every morning," he added, his voice soft. The love in his eyes bloomed alongside his honesty as they locked onto mine. "I love that about you, Maggie."

A warm blush spread across my cheeks, igniting a fire within me. Fuck. I loved him even harder with each passing day.

"You're the part of my life that makes the rest make sense," I said sincerely. "I love that about you, Luke."

His expression radiated love, and he returned my gaze. Our eyes communicated what words couldn't capture. We lingered in that moment on our own little cloud before I leaned up from it.

"And, you're hot as fuck, too," I shrugged it off, a grin on. "I love that shit about you."

Luke chuckled, and as I glanced at him, I saw a blush creeping up from his neck to his cheeks.

"Blushing so soon, Palce?" I teased further. "I thought I'd have to work a bit harder for it."

His blush didn't fade, but it didn't stop him from scowling. He shot a glare my way, his eyes locking onto mine. "You're such a smartass."

I laughed, sinking back into my seat as the car slowed down and came to a complete stop.

I got out of the car to hug Ledger and then leaned back, holding onto his arms. "Make sure to call me if you need help with your homework again, okay? You know I'll come."

He nodded with a excited smile. "I can't wait until next Saturday. Remember, it's Marvel night and you have to stay up this time to read the comics with me after we watch the movies." I had fallen asleep on the last few of our movie nights, and he and Luke never let me forget it.

"I promise I will." I nodded to confirm it, amusement on my face as I gave him one last hug. "I'll see you then."

Returning to the car, I waited for Luke to finish his conversation with Ledger. It wasn't as brief as I had expected it to be, as it usually was

I watched them, carefully. A part of me was tempted to be nosey as shit by cracking a window, but I wouldn't be able to handle the awkward turn of confrontation if they heard it.

Luke knelt in front of Ledger with a serious, slightly nervous expression. I didn't know what their conversation was about, but I bet it involved something about the picture.

Ledger paid close attention, responding with a few words that seemed to ease Luke's nerves. They exchanged nods, and a smile passed between them before they fist-bumped each other.

I watched this scene with a sense of awe. After everything Luke had been through, it was heartwarming to see him finally getting the life he deserved.

As Luke began to walk back to the car, I reached for my seatbelt, but just as I did, I heard the sound of tiny footsteps on the concrete, followed by Luke's name being called out.

My head raised, but my heart dropped, then shuddered to finish off entire process at the sight in front of me. Ledger was hugging Luke.

Despite their height difference, Ledger wrapped his arms around Luke's legs, burying his face into Luke's shirt. Luke, taken aback at first, quickly adjusted and knelt down to return his brother's embrace. Their hug grew tight, and I couldn't help but feel emotional. Ledger was the second person to ever hug Luke.

A lump formed in my throat, and tears welled up in my eyes. I couldn't contain the rush of emotions I felt, knowing that Luke was finally finding the love and blood family connection he had been missing for so long.

When they broke apart, they said a few more words to each other, sealing it with a final, brief hug. Luke stood still, his eyes fixed on Ledger as his brother ran off towards the house. It was a touching and significant moment between them, one that held a promise of a stronger bond and a brighter future for their relationship. I couldn't wait to see it.

I swiped at my eyes as Luke got back into the car. I could admit it: I was tearing up like a little bitch.

"Holy shit," Luke breathed out, still as dazed as when Ledger grabbed him, blinking down at his hands. "Did I imagine that or did you see it too?"

"I did." Tears welled in my eyes again, but I managed to hold them back.

His astonishment slowly faded, shifting towards a lighter version of it. A broad, joyful grin lit up his face. "I can't even..." Shaking his head, he let out a small chuckle. "It happened so quick; I think I'm still shaking, honestly."

He was, and I understood why. I took his hand and gently stroked it with my other hand.

Luke let out a contented sigh as he relaxed, using his other hand to start the car. Before driving off, his eyes met mine. "Remember our first hug?"

My lips curled up at the memory. "Of course." It was the first time I ever had my home in my arms; how could I forget it?

"You know..." A mischievous smirk played at the corner of his lips. "I think I need a little reminder; my memory's all fucked up," he shrugged it off, his humor evident in his expression. "Just as a refresher, though."

I crossed my arms, teasing,  "A refresher?"

"Mhm." He fought back a grin, opening his arms. "I gotta get a good enough comparison, Norris."

I giggled. "Is that right?"

"Maggie Norris..." he huffed at my teasing, frustration skidding over his face. "If I don't have you in my arms in the next three seconds—"

Laughter filled the car until I rolled my eyes and leaned into our hug. His arms enveloped me as I did the same, locking each other in our embrace until we both had a clear vision of home. No matter how many hugs we had, each one seemed better than the last.

I kissed the tattoo along his throat and began to pull back. Luke stopped me with a shake of his head, tightening his arms around me.

I laughed, rubbing at his backside. "Still not enough of a refresher, huh?"

"Hell no," he murmured, kissing the side of my neck tenderly. "Ten more minutes should jog my memory, though."

——————————————————————
The next bonus chapter will be out either tomorrow or the next day; it'll just be cute moments between these two, as they do deserve it!

Remember: if you're rereading and see or remember certain scenes being/not being there anymore, you're not crazy lol, it's just me adding or removing them.

I hoped you enjoyed the bonus chapter & I'll see you in the next! 🤍