The walk home was a long one, but it helped her clear her head. She had texted Liam, letting him know what had happened and told him she would tell him everything later. He was, of course, worried about her, but she assured him she was okay and she was just going home to sleep and eat.

She was so busy texting Liam that she didn't notice a familiar car pull up next to her until she heard her name being called.

"Hey, Nova. Want a ride?"

Nova glanced up, stopping when she saw Brett driving. He was stopped at the curb next to her, leaning over with the passenger window rolled down. She was surprised to see him and was curious why he was here. She had to admit it was cold and now dark so she wouldn't mind getting a ride from him.

"Um, yeah, sure. Thanks." She said as she got into the passenger seat. She buckled her seat belt and placed her backpack on the floor by her feet. "What are you doing here?"

"Driving around, just killing time." He shrugged, a smirk appearing on his lips.

Nova couldn't help but smile with amusement , raising her eyebrows at him. "Killing time?" She repeated.

Brett laughs as he nods. "Yes, killing time. I'm not very busy right now and I'm bored. So, I'm driving around and then I saw you." He explains, driving down the street. "Figured you might need a ride."

Nova shifts in her seat to get more comfortable and glances out the window, feeling a mix of gratitude and curiosity. "Thanks, I appreciate it. I was just on my way home from school."

Brett nods, glancing at her briefly before focusing back on the road. "No problem. How was school?"

Nova shrugs. "It was...Eventful, I guess you could say." She debated internally whether to share the details of her day with Brett, ultimately deciding to keep it vague. "Just had a bit of a rough patch, but nothing I can't handle."

Brett raises an eyebrow, shooting her a sidelong glance, his eyes showing a hint of concern. "Rough patch, huh? Anything you wanna talk about?"

She hesitates, not sure how much she wanted to disclose to Brett, considering they weren't particularly close. But something about his casual demeanor put her at ease, and she found herself opening up a bit. "Just...Had a panic attack at school. It caught me off guard, to be honest."

Brett's eyes widen slightly, and his eyebrows furrow in concern. "You have panic attacks?"

Nova glances at Brett, noticing the genuine concern in his expression. She wasn't used to talking about her anxiety with people outside of her close circle, but Brett's reaction made her feel unexpectedly comfortable. "Yeah," She admits softly, looking down at her hands. "It doesn't happen often, but when it does, it's pretty intense."

Brett nods, his focus shifting between the road and her. "I'm sorry to hear that, Nova. Panic attacks can be really tough. Do you, uh, know what triggered it?"

Nova sighs, leaning her head back against the seat. "It was a mix of things, I guess. School stress, personal stuff...It all just piled up. Today was just one of those days."

"That makes sense." Brett replies in understanding. "It sounds like you've been dealing with a lot. I'm glad I was able to give you a ride, though. No one should have to walk home after a day like that."

She smiles at him, feeling a warmth spread in her chest. "Thanks, Brett. I didn't realize how much I needed that.

"So, how are you feeling? After all that?" Brett asks, his tone gentle. "Are you doing okay?"

"I'm fine." Nova answers quickly, waving a hand dismissively. "Nothing I can't handle. Just a little shaken up, but I'll be fine."

"You know I can tell when you're lying, right? I mean, you do the same thing Lori does when she's lying." Brett says, smirking. "The little twitch of her mouth and the way her voice gets all high pitched." He teases, giving her a knowing look. "You both do it."

Nova's eyes widens in surprise, then narrowed playfully as she crossed her arms. "I do not!" She protested, though she knew deep down he was right.

Nova blushes and glances away, her lips curling up in a small smile. "Oh. Well, I'm fine, really. Just...Not my best day."

Brett hums, nodding. He doesn't push her for details, just accepts her response and continues driving. After a few minutes of silence, he speaks up. "So, what are you doing tonight?"

Nova glances at him with a raised eyebrow, not expecting the question. "Uh, not much. Probably just gonna have some dinner and go to bed early."

Brett hums, a smirk forming on his lips. "How about we have some dinner, instead?"

Nova feels her cheeks heat up again, and her heart starts pounding a little faster. "I, uh, I don't know, Brett..."

"Come on, it'll be fun. And I'm starving." He tells her, chuckling. "We can get whatever you want, and I can take you home after. Or, if you want, you can come over to my place. We could watch a movie or something. Lori will be home in a few hours, and she'd love to hang out."

Nova smiles, a warmth growing in her chest. She liked hanging out with Brett and his sister, and she was tempted to take him up on his offer. "Well, I could always use a movie night."

Brett smiles. "Great, let's go."

Nova laughs, her anxiety and worries fading away as Brett drove. As she gets lost in conversation with Brett, her problems and concerns from earlier seem far away and unimportant. She enjoys spending time with him and Lori, and she's grateful for the distraction. For dinner, he pulled up to a fast food place and they ordered some burgers and fries. Once they got their food, he drove them to his place and parked in the driveway.

"Welcome to our humble abode." Brett announced as he opened the front door, leading Nova inside.

Nova laughs, taking in the small but cozy house. The walls were lined with family photos and there were a few paintings hung up. There were also plants placed throughout the room and the house smelled like a mix of lavender and cinnamon. It was a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere, and she found herself smiling as she followed him to the kitchen.

"Make yourself at home." He says, motioning to the kitchen table. "I'm gonna get us some drinks."

Nova nodded, setting her backpack down and sitting down at the table. She looked around the kitchen, noticing how clean it was and how organized it was. Everything had a place and nothing was out of order. She noticed a framed photo sitting on the counter and got up, grabbing the picture.

"That was the last photo we had of the four of us before the fire." Brett's voice comes from behind her, making her jump.

She turns to face him, holding the photo out for him. "Your parents?"

Brett nods, taking the picture. He studies the image of his parents and sister and himself when they were kids. His heart aches a little, but he swallows down the sadness and forces a smile. "Yeah, it was a while ago. Before the fire."

Nova watches him, her heart aching for him. "I'm sorry. That must have been hard, losing your parents like that."

Brett nods again, a sad smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, it was. But, we made it through. And we're doing okay now. Satomi helped us with keeping this house and she's been great."

Nova nods, biting her lip. "Still, it must have been hard."

"It was. But we managed." Brett shrugs. "Life isn't easy, and sometimes s**t happens. We just have to deal with it."

"That's true." Nova agrees, her lips curling up in a half-smile. "I'm glad you and your sister are okay."

"Thanks." Brett smiles, his eyes sparkling. He puts the photo back on the counter and looks at her, tilting his head to the side. "So, what movie are we watching?"

Nova shrugs, biting her lip. She was unsure of what to watch. "You can pick. I'm good with anything."

Brett hums. He grabs a couple of cans of soda and a bowl of popcorn and sets them down on the coffee table. "What about a scary movie?"

A scowl forms on her face, her nose scrunching up in disgust. "No way. I don't do scary movies," Nova protests, shaking her head. "I can't handle them."

Brett chuckles, shaking his head. "Come on, it'll be fun. I promise I won't let anything happen to you."

Nova narrows her eyes at him, not entirely convinced. "I don't know..."

Brett pouts, giving her puppy dog eyes. "Please? Pretty please with a cherry on top?"

How can she say no when he's looking at her like that? He was so cute and adorable and she couldn't help but laugh. Nova rolls her eyes, but she can't help but laugh. "Fine, but if I have nightmares, it's on you."

Brett grins triumphantly, grabbing the remote and scrolling through the options on the TV. "Deal."

"Hey." Nova glances at the door when she heard Lori's voice. Lori perks up when she saw Nova. "Nova! You're here!"

"Hi, Lori. Hope its okay I came over." Nova smiled nervously, her cheeks reddening. She assumed it was okay since she was friends with both Lori and Brett, but she still felt like she was intruding.

Lori nods, smiling wide as she walked into the living room. "It's totally fine. You're super cool and awesome."

Nova blushes at the compliment, biting her lip. "Aw, thanks. That's sweet of you."

"Yeah, no problem." Lori grins, flopping down onto the couch. She glances at the tv. "So what are we watching?" She shakes her head and chuckles. "Seriously? A scary movie?" She asked, glancing over at her brother.

Brett rolls his eyes. "Oh come on, it'll be fun." He argued.

Lori clicks her tongue and stands up. "I think I'll pass. I'm not really in the mood for a horror movie. I'm going to my room. Maybe we can watch a different movie another time." She offers, sending Nova a small smile. "Nice seeing you again."

"Yeah, nice seeing you too." Nova replies, watching Lori leave the room. She then turns her attention back to the tv and the movie that Brett chose. "Okay after this one, I'm picking the next one." She stated.

He chuckles and nods. "Yes, ma'am." Nova chuckled and rolled her eyes as he grabbed the remote to start the movie.

During the movie, Nova found herself getting more and more scared. The music is tense and ominous, and the scenes are filled with suspense and horror. She knew this would be a bad idea, but she didn't expect to be so freaked out. She found herself instinctively moving closer to him and gripping his arm. She tries her best to hide her fear, not wanting to look weak or helpless.

Brett notices, and he wraps an arm around her shoulder, pulling her closer to him. "Don't worry, I'll protect you."

Nova blushes and hides her face against his shoulder, her heart pounding. "I can take care of myself, you know." She mumbled.

Brett chuckles, shaking his head. "I know you can, but I like being your knight in shining armor." He winked, and his lips curled up into a smirk when he heard her heart skip a beat.

"Whatever." She muttered, her face heating up even more.

She focuses her attention back on the movie, trying to ignore the feelings that were swirling inside her. But she couldn't deny the way his closeness made her feel, or the way his touch sent a tingle down her spine. She was finding it harder and harder to keep her cool around him, and she wasn't sure why. He was just her friend, and he was only trying to help her. But, the way her heart fluttered when he smiled or the way her body reacted to his touch was confusing and scary. She wasn't sure what it meant, or what she should do about it.

By the time the movie ends, her face was still buried in his shoulder, her grip on his arm tightening. She couldn't believe she was so freaked out by the movie. With everything going on, you would think a stupid horror movie wouldn't faze her. But it did. Her stomach was twisted in knots and her pulse was racing.

Brett laughs softly. "Wow, I didn't think you would get so freaked out." He teases, his smile growing. His face softens when she didn't reply and he noticed her body tensing up. "Are you okay?" He asked with concern.

She lifts her head to glare at him, her eyes narrowed. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?" She accused.

Brett laughs again. "A little bit." He confesses. "But, seriously, are you okay?" He questions softly, his thumb on her shoulder rubbing soothing circles. "You seem really tense."

She bites her lip and shifts uncomfortably, her gaze lowering. She hated being vulnerable and showing weakness. But she also couldn't ignore the way he was making her feel. His touch was comforting, and his presence was calming. She found herself wanting to open up to him and confide in him.

"I-I don't know. I just...I don't know." She stammered, shaking her head.

Brett hums, furrowing his eyebrows. He could tell she was nervous, and he didn't want her to feel uncomfortable. He pulls her close and hugs her, his arms wrapping around her and his hand stroking her hair. "Hey, it's okay. You can talk to me." He reassures her. "You don't have to if you don't want to, but I'm here if you need me."

Nova swallowed hard, her heart hammering in her chest. She was conflicted, not sure what to do or say. A part of her wanted to pull away and put distance between them, but another part of her wanted to stay in his arms and let him hold her. She was confused and scared, and she wasn't sure what the right choice was.

She takes a deep breath, trying to calm her racing thoughts. Brett's embrace is comforting, and she finds herself leaning into it, seeking solace in his presence. "I...I don't know what's wrong with me," She admits softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've been feeling...Off lately. Anxious, scared...And I had that panic attack earlier...I don't even know why. And today...Today was just too much."

Brett's hold on her tightens slightly, and he presses a kiss to the top of her head. "Hey, it's okay. You're not alone. You're never alone." He reassures her. "Everyone has bad days, and everyone gets overwhelmed sometimes. It's okay. You're allowed to feel those things."

His words are soothing, and Nova feels her body relax. She takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly, allowing her fears and anxieties to subside. She leans her head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. His embrace is warm and protective, and she feels safe in his arms.

"Thank you," She murmurs, her voice muffled against his shirt. "I'm sorry I'm such a mess." She added, a small frown on her lips.

Brett smiles, his heart warming. He's not used to seeing her so vulnerable and honest, and it's endearing. He pulls her closer, hugging her tightly. "We all have our moments." He chuckles. "You've been through a lot, and it's only natural for you to feel that way."

Nova sighs, closing her eyes. She's grateful for his understanding and support, and she finds herself wishing they could stay like this forever. "Can we just stay like this?" She asked quietly.

"Of course," He answers without hesitation, pressing another kiss to her head. "As long as you need."

They stayed like that for a while, wrapped in each other's arms. Their hearts beating as one, and their bodies pressed together. It was a moment of pure intimacy and comfort, and neither of them wanted it to end. But eventually, Nova pulled away, her cheeks flushed.

"Uh, can I pick the next movie?" She asked, clearing her throat. She wanted to change the subject and distract herself from the overwhelming emotions that were swirling inside her.

Brett nods, smiling softly. "Of course, whatever you want."

Nova smiles back, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She grabs the remote and scrolls through the options, trying to find something light-hearted and funny to watch. After a few minutes of searching, she settles on a romantic comedy and starts the movie.

As they watch the movie, Nova finds herself feeling more relaxed and at ease. The tension that had been building inside her slowly melts away, replaced by a sense of warmth and contentment. She steals glances at Brett from time to time, unable to shake the feeling of closeness that they had shared earlier.

By the time the movie ends, Nova is feeling much better. She turns to Brett with a smile, feeling grateful for his presence and his support. "Thanks for tonight," She says softly, her eyes meeting his. "I really needed it."

Brett returns her smile, his gaze warm and affectionate. "Anytime," He replies, reaching out to squeeze her hand. "I'm always here for you, Nova. No matter what."

Nova's heart skips a beat at his words, and she feels a rush of warmth flood her cheeks. She squeezes his hand back, feeling a surge of gratitude and affection towards him. "I know," She says softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "And I appreciate it more than you know."

They sit in comfortable silence for a moment, basking in the warmth of each other's presence. Nova knows that she'll have to leave soon, but she doesn't want to think about it. She wanted to stay in this moment forever, wrapped in Brett's arms and surrounded by his love and support.

"I should go home...It's getting late." She stammered.

"Or..." Brett starts, biting his lip. "You could stay. You know, if you want. You don't have to." He offered. He didn't want her to leave, but he didn't want her to feel uncomfortable. He wasn't sure what was going on between them, but he knew that he liked her, and he wanted her to stay. He wanted to spend more time with her. But, he would respect her decision, no matter what. He didn't want to push her or make her feel like she had to do anything. He cared about her too much to do that. "Just an option." He added quickly, looking away, blush creeping onto his face. He couldn't believe what this girl was doing to him. Normally he was so smooth, so suave. But she was turning him into a nervous mess. And he couldn't bring himself to mind.

Nova bites her lip, thinking it over. She didn't want to intrude, but the thought of spending more time with him was appealing. Plus, she wasn't ready to leave his comforting presence. "Um, okay. Yeah, I'll stay." She finally decides, her cheeks reddening. "If it's not too much trouble." She adds quickly, feeling embarrassed. "I don't want to be a burden."

Brett shakes his head. "Not at all," He reassures her, smiling softly. "I'm glad you're staying." He admits. His heart flutters at the thought of her spending the night. "You're not a burden, Nova. Never." He adds, reaching over to grab her hand and squeezes her hand gently. "I'm always happy to have you around."  

"What about Lori though?" She asks nervously. "Think she will be fine with me staying?"

"Who cares what Lori thinks? She's not the boss of me. Plus you two are friends, right? We're all friends here so I don't see why she wouldn't be fine with it." Brett shrugs. "If not, I'll tell her to chill. Don't worry."

"Okay." She gives him a small smile. She was still a little nervous about Lori's reaction, but she knew she was probably worrying for nothing. "So, another movie?" She suggested, earning a grin from Brett.

"Another movie sounds great. Wanna get some snacks and drinks before we start? Or should I order a pizza or something? It is technically around dinner time." He offered. He would do whatever she wanted, as long as he got to spend more time with her. He was enjoying her company more and more. He felt drawn to her, and he couldn't explain it. The way he felt about her was different from how he felt about anyone else. She made his heart race, and she made him feel things he never felt before. It was a new and exciting feeling, and he was eager to explore it.

Nova smiles, her stomach growling. "Food sounds great. Pizza is fine."  

"Got it." Brett nodded, pulling out his phone to order after asking her what her favorite is.

They spend the rest of the night eating pizza and watching movies, laughing and talking the night away. It was a perfect evening, and they both wished it would never end. But eventually, Nova found herself dozing off, the exhaustion from the day's events finally catching up to her. She yawns, leaning her head on his shoulder. "Come on, sleepyhead." Brett chuckles, nudging her side gently. "Let's get you to bed. You can sleep in my room."

"I don't wanna take your bed." Nova protests, blinking her tired eyes open. "I can just sleep on the couch."

Brett stands, turning off the tv before setting down the remote on the coffee table and turning to grab her hand to help her up. "No way, you're not sleeping on the couch. You're my guest, and I want you to be comfortable." He insists. "Plus, my bed is super comfy. I promise."

Nova sighs, not having the energy to argue. "Okay, fine. If you insist." She mumbled, letting him lead her to his room.  

As they enter his room, Brett smiles at her, his eyes filled with warmth and affection. He leads her over to the bed and gestures for her to sit down. She does so, feeling a rush of anticipation coursing through her veins. "I'll grab you some clothes." He walks over to his dresser and opens the drawers, rummaging around for some clean clothes for her to wear. He finds a t-shirt and a pair of sweatpants and hands them to her. "These should fit. They might be a little big, but they'll work."

Nova smiles, her cheeks reddening. "Thanks."

Brett returns her smile, his eyes sparkling. "Of course." He pointed out where the bathroom was and left her alone.

She quickly changes into the clothes he gave her, feeling a rush of relief as the familiar scent of him fills her nostrils. She takes a deep breath and allows herself a moment to process what just happened. Her heart is still pounding, and her mind is racing. Her feelings for Liam are still there and strong, but he had been spending so much time with Hayden lately. And then there's Brett. A really good looking, kind, sweet, funny guy that's made it clear he's interested in her. It's a lot to take in.

She takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly, trying to calm her racing thoughts. She makes her way back to his bedroom and stands awkwardly at the doorway. He looks up and smiles, his eyes roaming over her body appreciatively. He had to admit he loved seeing her wear his clothes. His shirt was way too big for her, it looked more like a dress and he's sure the sweats are rolled up a couple of times. But it doesn't matter. She's beautiful no matter what. Even without any makeup, with messy hair, and wearing his clothes. She's still the most gorgeous girl he's ever seen.

"What?" She asked, self-consciously pulling down the shirt.

"Nothing." He shakes his head, his face turning red at the fact he got caught staring. "You look cute." He muttered shyly as he looked away.

Nova's face flushes at the compliment, and she looked away. "Um, thanks," She mumbles, not sure what to say. "Your clothes are comfy." She added, looking down at the outfit.

"Glad you like them." Brett smiled.

"So, um, we could share. The bed is pretty big." She suggests, her heart pounding as she glanced at his bed. It looked big enough for the two of them to comfortably fit. The idea of sharing the space sent butterflies fluttering in her stomach. "I don't mind." She added quickly. She didn't want him to feel uncomfortable or obligated. 

Brett's eyebrows raises slightly, but he nods and smiles warmly at her, "Yeah, that's fine. If you're sure." He honestly hoped for that though he wanted to offer the other option, not wanting to pressure her.

She nods, returning the smile. "I wouldn't have offered if I wasn't sure." She replies, her cheeks flushing. She's nervous, but also excited at the prospect of sharing the bed with Brett. It's a new experience for her, but she trusts him and feels safe with him. "Thanks for letting me stay over."

Brett smiles, his eyes softening. "Anytime, Nova. I'm glad you're here." He gestures for her to climb into bed first, and she does so, slipping under the covers and making herself comfortable. He follows suit, sliding in beside her and pulling the covers up around them.

The bed is warm and cozy, and Nova can't help but relax into it. She's acutely aware of Brett's presence beside her, and her heart races at the thought of sharing a bed with him. She closes her eyes and tries to calm her racing thoughts, focusing on the sound of his steady breathing.

After a few moments, Brett speaks, his voice soft and low. "Comfortable?"

"Very," She whispers, a smile tugging at her lips. "Thanks."

He hums softly, shifting slightly. He's careful not to touch her, not wanting to make her uncomfortable. He resisted the urge to pull her close and hold her in his arms, wanting to respect her boundaries and give her space. His heart skipped a beat when she turned on her side to face him, a sleepy smile on her lips. She scooted a little closer, and he did the same, their bodies now pressed against each other.

"Is this okay?" He asked, his voice barely above a whisper, hesitating with wrapping his arm around her.

"Mmhm," She hummed, snuggling closer and resting her head against his chest. "This is nice." Her lips curled up at hearing his heart race when she laid her head on his chest.

Brett's breath hitched at her words, and he smiled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. He wraps his arms around her, holding her close. The feel of her body pressed against his was intoxicating, and he found himself wanting more. But he resisted the urge, knowing it wasn't the right time. He leaned down to kiss the top of her head, and she sighed, her eyes fluttering closed.

"Goodnight, Nova." He whispered, his heart full of affection.

"Goodnight, Brett." She murmured, a smile on her lips. She couldn't stop her smile from spreading when she felt his lips press a soft kiss to her forehead, the simple gesture sending shivers down her spine.

He laid there for a moment, simply enjoying the feeling of her body pressed against his and the warmth of her presence. He felt a sense of peace wash over him, knowing that she was safe and comfortable in his arms. He closed his eyes and allowed himself to relax, feeling content and happy.

As they drifted off to sleep, their breathing gradually slowed and their bodies relaxed. Wrapped in each other's embrace, they found solace and comfort in the simple act of being together. It was a moment of closeness and intimacy that neither of them would soon forget.

****

When Nova woke up in the morning, she's surrounded by warmth and comfort. The feeling of strong arms wrapped around her, and a broad, muscular chest pressed against her back. Her body instinctively snuggled closer, seeking more of the warmth and security that the person provided. She buried her face in the person's chest to block out the brightness of the sun shining through the window, not ready to get up and start the day. She snuggled closer to the person,enjoying the warmth and comfort that they provided.

 Suddenly, Nova froze, her eyes shooting open as she realized who was holding her. It was Brett. She had slept over at his place last night, and they had shared his bed. A rush of embarrassment washed over her, and she pulled away from his embrace, her face flushed and her heart racing.

Brett stirred at her movement, his arm tightening around her waist and pulling her closer. He was still sleeping and she blushed more as he pulled her closer and nuzzled her neck. She honestly didn't want to pull away. It felt nice. More than nice, really. She felt safe and comfortable, and her heart fluttered in her chest. She let herself relax in his embrace, savoring the feeling of his body pressed against hers.

Eventually, Brett began to wake up, his eyes fluttering open and a sleepy smile on his lips. "Morning." He murmured, groggy and soft-spoken. His voice was a warm, soothing sound that wrapped around Nova like a blanket.

"Good morning." She replied, her voice barely above a whisper. She felt a mix of excitement and nervousness, still caught in the haze of sleep and the warmth of his body.

Brett's smile widens as he noticed her blushing cheeks. He liked seeing her blush and him being the reason. "How did you sleep?" He shifted slightly, reaching up to brush a stray strand of hair away from her face, his touch gentle and reassuring.

"Really well," She admits, her heart racing at the intimacy of the moment. "You?" She asked, meeting his gaze. She was trying to stay calm and not lose her composure, but she couldn't help the butterflies fluttering in her stomach. Her face felt so warm she was sure it was bright red.

Brett hums softly, his gaze filled with warmth and affection. "Great. With you next to me, how could I not?"

Nova's breath hitches, and her heart skips a beat. She wasn't sure what to say, so she remained silent, her face growing even hotter at his words.

Brett chuckled softly, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "I love seeing you blush," He murmured, his voice soft and low.

Nova groaned, hiding her face in the pillow. "I hate you."

Brett's laughter only increased. He gently tugged the pillow away from her and leans in, pressing a soft, tender kiss to her cheek. "No, you don't," He whispered, his lips brushing against her ear.

Nova couldn't deny the effect that the simple gesture had on her. Her heart raced, and her stomach fluttered with butterflies. She wanted to say something witty, but her brain was too distracted by the feel of his body pressed against hers. Instead, she settles for a simple, "Maybe."

Brett laughs, his eyes filled with amusement and affection. "Well, that's better than a no." He said, smiling at her.

She smiled back, her heart warming at the sight of his smile. She could stare at him all day, his handsome features making her heart skip a beat. His smile was infectious, and she couldn't help but return it, despite her embarrassment. She leaned back into him, laying her head on his chest. Her own heart fluttered at hearing his heart skip a beat, her blush growing at the fact she caused that. 

They lay there for a while, simply enjoying each other's company and the feeling of being together. Brett's strong, muscular arms were wrapped around her, and her head was tucked under his chin. She inhaled his scent, feeling a sense of calm and security. It was a moment of intimacy and closeness that she had never experienced before, and she cherished every second of it.

This kind of morning was exactly what she needed after everything going on with the Dread Doctors. It was nice to be able to escape from the chaos and darkness of Beacon Hills for a while in the arms of someone who cared about her. In the arms of someone who made her feel safe and protected.

Brett shifted slightly, adjusting his hold on her to allow his fingers to lazily play with her hair. The feel of his fingers gently running through her hair was soothing, and she closed her eyes, sighing softly. She could have easily fallen back asleep in his embrace. She felt content and comfortable, and she never wanted the moment to end. She was sure this was the happiest she had been in a long time, and she hoped the feeling would last.

A sudden knock on the door startled them both, causing them to jump. "Hey, sleepyheads, breakfast is ready so hurry up and get out here or else I'm gonna eat without you." Lori's voice sounded from outside the door, startling them both.

Nova's heart leapt into her throat at the sudden interruption, and she was sure her face was beet-red. She was thankful that the door was closed and that Lori couldn't see them, but the knowledge that someone had almost caught them in a compromising position was enough to make her embarrassed.

Brett chuckles softly, a look of amusement on his face. "Yeah, we'll be there in a minute." He called out, his eyes sparkling with affection as he looked at Nova. After Lori replied with 'okay', she left, but his gaze remained on Nova.

"Sorry about that. She has the worst timing." He mumbled.

"It's fine." Nova assures him, a shy smile tugging at her lips. She could have stayed in his arms all day, but she knew that they had to get up eventually. She was eager to spend more time with Brett and Lori, and she didn't want to waste the opportunity. Her stomach growls, smiling sheepishly. "Breakfast sounds good."

"Let's go." Brett laughed, giving her a quick kiss on the forehead before pulling away and sitting up. Nova missed his embrace immediately, but she did the same, sitting up and stretching.

They get out of bed and make their way to the kitchen, where Lori is was already getting herself a plate. "About time." She huffs, rolling her eyes. Her gaze fell on Nova, realizing she was wearing her brother's clothes. She raises her eyebrows. "Are you two-"

"Just friends." Nova cuts her off, her face heating up and walking further into the kitchen to grab herself a plate.

Lori didn't look convinced, but she doesn't press the issue. "Alright. If you say so." She shrugs, sitting down at the table when she was done getting her food. Brett sent her a small glare before following Nova into the kitchen. "So, what's on the agenda today?" Lori asked, changing the subject.

"Not sure yet," Brett replies, glancing at Nova with a smile as they all began to eat. "What do you want to do?"

Nova shrugs, her heart racing. "Not sure...I probably need to check on Stiles and the others though. There's a lot going on and I haven't really been around with them all weekend. I'm worried about them." She admitted.

"Nova, if you take the weekend off from all that supernatural stuff, I'm sure they'll understand," Brett suggests gently, concern evident in his voice. "You deserve a break, especially after everything you've been through."

Nova smiles gratefully, touched by his consideration. "Thanks, Brett. That means a lot." She pauses, considering her options. "But I still want to make sure they're okay. I'll call my brother when we're done." She decided, chewing on her lower lip.

Brett nods in understanding. "Okay, that sounds good. And hey, if you change your mind, just let me know. It's up to you, I don't care. Just...You just seem like you could use a break, that's all."

Nova smiles at him, her heart warming. "Thank you, Brett. I appreciate that."

Lori grins and rolls her eyes, muttering something about 'dorks' and 'mushy.' She grabs her key for the house along with her purse and heads for the door. "Well, I'm heading out. My friends are picking me up, we're gonna hang out for the day. I'll be back later." She announced.

"Have fun," Brett calls after her. "Be safe." Lori gives him a thumbs up and a grin before exiting the apartment. The moment the door closes behind her, the tension in the air shifts. Nova can feel it, the energy crackling between them. She swallowed thickly, her heart pounding as she meets his gaze. There's a moment of silence, both of them unsure what to say or do.

"I'll clean things up, you can go call Stiles." Brett assured her, giving her a small smile.

Nova returns his smile and got up. Before she left, she paused, debating on what to do, but then she decided to go through with it and kissed his cheek. "Thank you, Brett. Really. Thank you for everything."

He looks taken aback by the sudden kiss but then a grin breaks across his face. "Anytime." He replied, his eyes twinkling.

Nova's cheeks flush, and she averts her gaze, smiling shyly. She turned and walked to his room to grab her phone she left on the nightstand. Her eyes widened when she saw she had many texts and missed calls along with voicemails.

Mostly from Stiles and the pack. She curses under her breath and she called her brother first, knowing he was most likely worried.

"Where have you been?!" Was the first thing Stiles said, sounding more worried than angry. "Are you okay?! Please tell me you're okay!"

"Sti, calm down. I'm fine. I'm safe. I stayed with Brett and his sister last night. I'm sorry I didn't tell you that last night, I just forgot...But is everything okay there? What's going on? Why have you guys been trying to contact me so much? Is everything okay?" She rambled, feeling panicked.

"Uh...Well..." Stiles stammers, his tone hesitant. "There's...Um...It's complicated..."

"What happened? Did someone get hurt?" Nova asked, her heart pounding. She hated being out of the loop, not knowing what was going on.

"Well...Uh, Liam and Hayden are gone. The Dread Doctors took them." Nova's heart dropped at this news. Her chest tightened, and she felt a lump form in her throat. One day she was gone and her best friend and her friend were taken by the Dread Doctors.

"No..." She breathes, feeling sick to her stomach. "What? How? When did this happen?" She demanded, her voice trembling.

"Last night. Right now we're trying to figure out where they are so we can get them, Scott is tapping into Corey's memory to try to find them-"

"Hang on, isn't that dangerous?" Nova interrupted with surprise. She knew only Alphas could do that though it was still dangerous.

"Yeah, but he didn't give a chance to suggest any other options. Do you want me to come pick you up so you can be here for this?" He asks gently. He pauses before adding, "Malia told me you had a panic attack yesterday and that you had that pyscho thing where you're, like, in a memory? Why didn't you tell me that happen? That you had a panic attack, you haven't had one in a year. And she told me you didn't eat anything all day? Please tell me you ate last night."

Nova sighs and she closes her eyes for a second before saying, "Yes, Brett and I went out to get dinner last night. And I'm sorry, Sti, I should have told you about the panic attack and the memory thing. It's just...I don't know, I didn't want to bother you or anything. You already have so much going on. I didn't want to burden you with it."

"No, never. You could never bother me. I'm always here for you, no matter what." Stiles assures her firmly, and she knows he means it. "Now, do you want me to come get you or are you gonna stay with Brett?"

Nova chews on her lower lip, her heart racing. She didn't want to leave Brett, not when things were so perfect. But she also didn't want to be left out of the loop, not when her friends were in danger. Especially her best friend. She wanted to help save Liam and even Hayden, despite being jealous of how close the two are. She was torn between her desire to stay with Brett and the urgent need to be with her friends during this crisis. She felt bad for even thinking this, but they had enough help, right? It wouldn't hurt to stay with Brett and Lori for awhile? 

It's been awhile since she had hung out with either of them and it would be nice to just be a normal teenager for a day and not have to deal with anything supernatural (besides being a werewolf herself). She hated thinking that because one of her best friends has been taken by the Dread Doctors. She felt a wave of guilt crash over her. The normalcy and comfort of staying with Brett and Lori contrasted sharply with the urgency of her friends' situation. She was torn, not wanting to abandon her friends in their time of need but also craving a moment of peace and stability.

Taking a deep breath, Nova decided to voice her thoughts. "Stiles, I need to be honest. Part of me wants to stay here with Brett and Lori for a bit longer. It feels...Good to have a break from all the chaos. I feel so selfish and I'm such a bad friend but-"

"Hey, no, stop. Don't talk like that. I get it, sis. It's okay to take a break. You've been through a lot, and you deserve a chance to breathe. Just...Please be careful. And if you change your mind or want to help, just let me know. We're doing everything we can to find Liam and Hayden, and we'll keep you updated." He promised.

Nova nods even though he can't see her, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety. "Thank you, Stiles." She sighs. "I'll keep my phone close and be ready to help if needed. I just need to take a bit of time for myself right now."

"Alright. That's fine, sis. Don't worry. Everything will be okay. I love you."

"I love you too, bro." Nova hung up and let out a sigh. Despite her brother's reassuring words, she still felt guilty and selfish for choosing to stay with Brett and Lori. But she had to put her own well-being first, at least for now. She could only hope that her friends would be alright without her. With a heavy heart, Nova walked back to the kitchen to find Brett was finishing cleaning up. He glanced up at her, concern shining in his eyes.

"So? Is everything okay?" He asked, his voice filled with concern.

Nova swallows thickly and shrugs, chewing on her lower lip. "Uh, well, Liam and Hayden got taken by the Dread Doctors last night." She said nervously. "A-And I know I probably need this break, but I can't help but feel guilty. I should be there for them and I know we can find them. But..."

"Nova, hey, it's okay." Brett cut her off, placing his hands on her shoulders and looking her in the eye. "You're not abandoning them or anything, okay? You're just taking some time for yourself. I'm sure they understand, and they'll be fine. Don't worry, alright? You definitely deserve a break. It's okay to feel like a normal teenager for once." He reassured her, his voice soft and comforting.

Nova took a deep breath and nodded, trying to relax. She knew he was right, but she couldn't help the anxious feeling in her gut. The thought of Liam and Hayden being held captive somewhere by the Dread Doctors made it hard for her to fully let go of her worries. Still, she trusted her brother and the rest of the pack. They would find a way to save them. And in the meantime, she would try to enjoy the moment and the company of the boy in front of her.

"You're right, Brett." She said softly. "Thank you."

Brett smiles at her, his gaze filled with warmth and affection. "Of course." He pauses, then added, "So, what do you want to do today?"

Nova shrugs, a smile tugging at her lips. "I'm not sure...Maybe we can go do something fun and normal? That normal teenagers do? It sounds so weird to say that." She chuckles. "But I've been dealing with supernatural stuff so much that I forgot what being a normal teenager was like. I mean, even if we do normal teenager things we'll still know we both are werewolves, but at least we can forget about the supernatural chaos for a bit."

"That sounds like a good idea." Brett grins. "What did you have in mind?"

Nova chews on her bottom lip and ponders for a moment. "We could go to the movies, or the mall, or mini golfing, or bowling..."

"Let's go bowling," Brett suggests, grinning. "I haven't been bowling in forever."

Nova grimaces. "I shouldn't have suggested that. I'm so bad at it." She grinned sheepishly, her cheeks flushing slightly.

Brett chuckles, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "It's okay, neither am I. It'll be fun, and we can laugh at how terrible we both are at it. Plus, it's a great way to take our minds off things."

Nova laughs, feeling a bit of her tension ease. "Alright, bowling it is then. I guess it will be good to let loose and have some fun."

Brett smiles, clearly pleased with the decision. "Great! Let's get ready and head out. I'll grab my jacket."

As they both prepare to leave, Nova finds herself feeling more at ease. The guilt about not being there for her friends was still present, but the idea of spending some quality, carefree time with Brett helped her feel a bit lighter. She had always valued moments like these, where she could escape the weight of her responsibilities, even if just for a little while. With their jackets on and ready for a day of fun, Brett and Nova headed out, leaving behind the worries and supernatural chaos for a bit. As they drove to the bowling alley, Nova glanced at Brett, feeling a sense of calm wash over her. Sometimes, taking a break and enjoying simple pleasures was exactly what she needed to recharge and face the challenges ahead.

A/N lowkey loving brett & nova so much rn