(violet's outfit for this part of the chapter)

Violet couldn't believe she had been dating Jackson for a few months already. Time had flown by since that magical Christmas last year when their paths finally intertwined in a way neither of them expected. Violet couldn't remember a time in her life when she had been this happy and content. Sure, there were still challenges, but having Jackson by her side made it easier to face them. They had gone through so much together, and Violet knew they were stronger because of it. Being his best friend was great, but dating .him was on an entirely different level. It was as if all the pieces of her life had fallen into place. Being Jackson's best friend had always been special—he was the person she could talk to about anything, the one who made her laugh when she felt like crying, and the one who never judged her for her quirks. But dating him? That brought an entirely new layer of closeness she hadn't imagined.

Now, his hugs lingered a little longer, his kisses melted her worries away, and the way he looked at her made her feel like the most important person in the world. Jackson had always been her safe space, but now he was also her heart's home. There were moments when she couldn't believe how lucky she was. Even on the hard days—when work was overwhelming or life threw unexpected curveballs—he stood by her, steady and strong. His unwavering support reminded her that they were in this together. And that made all the difference.

Violet currently sat on her living room couch in some comfy clothes as she watched Hannah Montana. It had always been one of her favorite shows as a kid and sometimes she liked to rewatch the episodes. She didn't even bother when she heard a knock at the door, followed by the door opening seconds later. She knew it was Jackson. He had just got done with football practice and asked if they could hang out. Of course she said yes. She knew he had been a bit upset lately because of how no one really believed he was actually on the team. He was the place kicker so he never got dirty. She hated how no one believed he was really on the team. Sure, he wasn't on the field, but he was still apart of the team.

She finally looks over when she heard him getting closer and smiles fondly. He looked tired and upset, kicking his shoes off and plopping down on the couch. She lifted her arms off her lap, letting him lay his head in her lap. She gently ran her fingers through his hair and sighs. "So I take it the team still isn't giving you the credit you deserve?" Violet asked softly, her voice laced with concern.

Jackson sighs, his eyes fluttering shut as he melted into her touch. "Yeah," He mumbles. "They were teasing me again today, calling me the 'bench warmer' and acting like I don't contribute at all. It's frustrating, you know? I work just as hard as they do."

Violet frowns, her fingers continuing their soothing motion through his hair. She hated seeing him like this—so disheartened by something he cared about so much. "That's not fair," She said firmly. "You're part of the team, Jackson. Just because you're not out there getting tackled every play doesn't mean you're not important."

He scoffs, his eyes opening to meet hers. "Yeah, well, the rest of the team doesn't seem to agree with that."

"Well, screw 'em and everyone else who can't see how amazing you are." She cups his face gently, making him look at her. Her eyes softens, filled with nothing but affection and encouragement. "You're one of the best people I know, Jackson. You're dedicated, talented, and you bring something to that team they wouldn't have without you. Don't let their ignorance make you forget your worth."

Jackson's lips curves into a small smile, the tension in his shoulders easing. "You always know what to say to make me feel better," He murmurs, his eyes searching hers. "I don't know what I'd do without you, Vi."

She smiles back at him, her cheeks turning pink under his gaze. "You'd probably be bored out of your mind and completely lost without me." She teased, her tone light and playful, though her words carried a hint of truth.

Jackson chuckles softly, his fingers brushing over hers where they rested on his cheek. "You're probably right. But I'm serious, babe, you mean the world to me. I hope you know that."

Her heart flutters at his words, her skin tingling where he touched her. "I know, Jax," She murmurs, her breath catching as his hand came up to caress her face, his thumb brushing across her cheek. "You mean the world to me too."

She leans down, closing the distance between them as she captures his lips in a tender kiss. He returns the kiss, his fingers tangling in her hair as he pulls her closer. The kiss was soft and full of unspoken emotions, a silent promise of support and love that words couldn't fully convey. They both reluctantly pulled away though when the door suddenly opened and they both looked up to see a frustrated and upset Ramona walk in.

"This sucks!"

"Sure, come on in. Not like we weren't busy or anything." Jackson mutters, upset that they had been interrupted. Violet rolls her eyes despite the her lips curving into a smile as she swatted his arm. "Hey, don't roll your eyes at me. I'm just telling the truth."

"What's going on, Mona?" Violet asked in concern, gently pushing Jackson off her and playfully sticking her tongue out at him when he pouted and grumbled about having to sit up. He did though, still sitting close to her and instead intertwining his hand with hers and rubbing circles on the back of her hand.

"You know Sienna at school right?" Ramona questioned, plopping down on a nearby chair with a sigh.

"The girl who looks like she should've already graduated, been married, and have a family?" Violet inquired with a raised brow and tilted her head to the side, remembering the tall blonde girl with a strikingly mature appearance and a tendency to act like she was above everyone else.

"Yeah, her," Ramona confirms, her frustration evident as she leaned back in the chair. "So we had planned to meet up together with her and her friend group, but apparently I didn't get the memo. Sienna and her friends ghosted me. We had decided to meet at Burt's Burgers, but they went to the movie without me." She huffs and Violet frowns, looking at her sympathetically. Ramona shakes her head and smiles at her and Jackson. "But who needs them when I got you guys?"

Jackson, still upset his moment with Violet was ruined, speaks up. "Or, you know, you could have stayed home-"

Violet cuts him off with a playful shove and a pointed look. "Jackson!" she scolds, though there's no real heat behind it. She turns back to Ramona, her expression softening. "You're right, Mona. You don't need them. Honestly, if they're going to treat you like that, they're not worth your time."

Ramona smiles, her frustration easing a little. "Thanks, Vi. You always know how to make me feel better." She glances at Jackson, smirking. "Even if someone here seems a little less thrilled to see me."

Jackson rolls his eyes but eventually cracks a small grin. "I'm just saying, we were kind of having a moment. A really good one."

"Gross," Ramona says, scrunching her nose. "No details please."

Violet blushes, but can't help but giggle and roll her eyes. "Shut up, Jax. Well, since you're here, Mona, wanna watch a movie with us or something?"

Ramona raises an eyebrow as she teases her. "Hmm, third-wheeling on your romantic evening? Tempting." She sarcastically remarks while she stands. "But nah, I'll pass. I rather not be a third wheel." She crosses her arms and smirks. "I'll just let you two get back to your moment or whatever. Besides, I think I'll grab some ice cream and binge a show at home instead. Way less PDA to deal with."

Violet chuckles, shaking her head. "Suit yourself, but you know you're always welcome here."

Jackson nods, though his smirk carries a playful edge. "Yeah, especially if you want to bring us some ice cream too."

Ramona scoffs, pretending to look offended despite a small smile tugging on her lips. "As if. You two can fend for yourselves."

As she heads toward the door, she pauses, glancing back with a softer expression. "Thanks, guys. Really. You're the best."

Violet hesitates, feeling bad for Ramona. She reaches out quickly, her voice gentle. "Hey, wait, Mona."

Ramona stops, looking back curiously. "Yeah?"

Violet glances at Jackson with a questioning glance. They share a silent conversation and Jackson then nods with a small smile. She smiles back at him and steps forward, giving Ramona a warm hug. "Just so you know, you're not a third wheel. You never are, we never mean for you to feel that way when you hang out with us. You're family, okay? Anytime you feel down, you can come to us."

"Thanks, Vivi." Ramona smiled fondly and hugged her back.

Jackson leans back on the couch, watching them with a small smile. "Yeah, what she said. Even if I give you a hard time, we've got your back. Always."

Ramona chuckles softly as she steps back, her grin more genuine now. "You guys are gonna make me cry or something. Okay, I'm going before this gets too sappy."

Violet laughs. "Alright, alright. Go enjoy your ice cream and show. But text me later if you wanna hang out later, okay?" She smiled warmly at Ramona, who smiled back at her and nodded before she left. Violet closed the door and went to sit by Jackson again, who smiled and reached over to cup her face.

"I believe we were having a moment right before we were rudely interrupted." He muttered.

Violet chuckles, rolling her eyes despite the blush spreading across her face. "We weren't rudely interrupted. Romana was upset-" His lips were on hers in a heartbeat, cutting her off mid-sentence and making her lose her train of thought. Her eyes fluttered shut, her hands resting on his shoulders as his hands moved to her waist, pulling her closer. As the kiss deepened, she felt his fingertips graze the exposed skin where her shirt had ridden up, sending a wave of goosebumps over her. The kiss deepened, and for a moment, the world outside their little bubble seemed to fade away. Jackson's thumb gently traced small circles against Violet's waist, and her fingers instinctively curled into the fabric of his shirt.

When they finally pulled apart, Violet's cheeks were flushed, and she couldn't help the small, breathless laugh that escaped her lips. "You're great at distracting me, you know?"

Jackson smirks, his eyes filled with mischief and adoration. "I'll take that as a compliment. So, should we pause the movie or what?"

Violet laughs again, playfully swatting his arm. "Shut up, Jax. We're not skipping the movie." She snuggles into his side, giggling at his dramatic pout. They fall into a comfortable silence before she had suddenly felt his lips began to trail soft kisses along her jaw, slowly making their way down her neck. "Jackson..." She warned though her voice lacked any real conviction, coming out more as a breathless whisper than a protest.

Jackson chuckles softly against her skin, the vibrations sending a shiver down her spine. "What? I'm just appreciating my girlfriend." He murmured, his tone playful yet filled with affection.

Violet's cheeks turned an even deeper shade of pink as she lightly pushed at his chest. "We're supposed to be watching the movie." She insisted, though her hands lingered on him, betraying her own hesitation to put space between them.

"You're more interesting than any movie." He told her, his lips brushing her collarbone in a way that made her heart race.

Violet bit her lip, trying to suppress a grin. "Jax, seriously. If you want to make out, just ask." She teased.

Jackson pulls back slightly, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "Well, in that case, can I kiss you?"

"I suppose I could be persuaded." She replied, feigning nonchalance despite her pulse quickening and the blush darkening on her cheeks.

Jackson smirked and closed the distance between them, his lips finding hers once more. The kiss was slow and tender, filled with an underlying current of warmth and desire. everything around them seemed to disappear. It was just the two of them, wrapped up in the intensity of their connection. Jackson's hand slid to the small of Violet's back, pulling her closer, and she responded instinctively, her fingers threading through his hair. 

The kiss deepened, and Violet could feel the heat between them rising. Her heart raced, the world outside their bubble completely irrelevant. Every kiss seemed to say more than words ever could—expressions of affection, desire, and the comfort they found in each other's arms. When they finally pulled away, both were breathless, their lips still tingling from the lingering touch.

"So," Jackson breathes out. "Still wanna watch the movie?"

Violet giggles, her cheeks flushed and her eyes sparkling. "I think I've changed my mind. Let's go cuddle."

Jackson chuckles, his expression mirroring hers. "Sounds perfect."

Violet grabs the remote to turn it off, letting out a small yelp when she's suddenly lifted and carried bridal style. She laughs and wraps her arms around his neck. "I can walk, you dummy, what are you doing?" She doesn't bother trying to get down though as he began to carry her towards the stairs.

"Can I not want to carry my beautiful girlfriend?" He asked with a teasing smile.

She rolls her eyes but can't help smiling, her heart fluttering at the word 'girlfriend'. She leans her head on his shoulder as he carries her upstairs and to her room, both of them getting settled in bed. She had a contented sigh as she nestled into the soft blankets and pillows, Jackson curling up beside her. The room was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of the covers as they adjusted themselves comfortably. She felt Jackson's arms wrap around her, pulling her closer and she couldn't help smiling to herself. Violet closed her eyes, feeling completely at ease in Jackson's embrace. The quiet of the room, the warmth of his arms, and the gentle rise and fall of his chest as he breathed next to her made everything feel perfect. It was in moments like these that she realized how much she appreciated him and their connection.

Jackson shifts slightly, his voice soft as he spoke. "You okay?"

Violet nods, her fingers tracing small patterns on his arm. "Yeah. Just happy."

"Me too," He murmurs, pressing a soft kiss to the top of her head. "You make everything better, you know that?"

Violet smiles, her heart swelling with affection. "I could say the same about you." She lifts her head to look at him, meeting his eyes with a soft, contented smile. "Thanks for being...Well, you."

"Same goes to you, baby." Jackson returns her smile with one of his own, the expression so sincere and affectionate that Violet felt her heart melt.

They both lean in, meeting halfway in a tender kiss, conveying emotions that words couldn't fully describe. The kiss was slow and gentle, each touch of their lips speaking volumes of the love and comfort they shared. Violet could feel the depth of Jackson's affection in the way his hand gently cradled her face, and she responded with equal tenderness, letting herself melt into the connection they had. For a few moments, the outside world completely faded away, leaving only the warmth of their embrace and the quiet rhythm of their hearts beating together.

When they finally pulled away, neither of them spoke immediately, content to simply remain close. Jackson's thumb brushes against her cheek, his eyes soft and full of admiration. "I'll never get tired of kissing you."

"Me too." She replied, her cheeks warming at his words.

They settle back down, their limbs tangled together, and Violet smiles, feeling completely at peace. Being with Jackson was unlike anything else— a connection that felt so natural, so effortless. She couldn't imagine being anywhere else but in his arms. Everything about him, from the way he looked at her with such tenderness to the way he made her feel cherished and special, made her realize just how much she had fallen for him. It was moments like these, when they were alone together in this quiet space, that made everything else fade into the background.

As they settled into the blankets, the quiet of the room wrapped around them like a comforting cocoon. Jackson's arms tightened around Violet, and she rested her head on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. It felt like home—a moment she wished could last forever.

**** 

Later that day, Jackson had gone home, but he asked Violet if she could come over and support his mom for this two week anniversary thing Steve was doing for DJ. Steve and DJ had been dating for exactly two weeks now and Violet had noticed them trying to out do each other's gifts. She didn't see the big deal about it. She didn't even know a two-week anniversary was a thing and neither did Jackson. They've been dating over two weeks and they hadn't even done anything like that for when they got to two weeks. 

But they didn't care about that now, they only cared about each other. They did of course would do special things for the other here and there, but they preferred keeping things simple and meaningful. They didn't feel the need to follow anyone else's idea of what a relationship should look like. It was the little moments that mattered to them—like sharing inside jokes, stolen glances across a crowded room, or the way Jackson always held Violet's hand when they walked together, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

Or even when they would find notes sent by the other in their backpack or locker that were filled with silly and cute messages. It was the simple, everyday things that made their relationship so special. They didn't need flashy gestures or over-the-top displays of affection. It was the way they made each other feel seen and appreciated in the most subtle, yet meaningful ways. Whether it was Jackson remembering Violet's favorite snack and bringing it to school just because or Violet write a silly song she sings to help cheer him up whenever he was upset. They just knew how to make each other smile, no matter how big or small the gesture. They didn't need a grand anniversary celebration to feel special, because every day with Jackson was special in its own way.

Violet now stood by Jackson and his younger brothers off to the side in their living room where the living room was set up to look similar to the Ninja Warrior obstacles they've seen on TV. Fernando was there too for some reason, standing on the staircase, wearing an 'team steejay' shirt and there was a red button near Steve like the one you press on the show when you win.

"Dee, happy two-week-iversary!" Steve greets DJ when she first entered the house. "We all know your favorite show."

DJ's face lit up as she nods. "Oh, 'Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles'."

Steve grimaces. "Okay, got some bad intel. Uh...Hopefully your second favorite show is 'American Ninja Warrior!'"

DJ shrugs, slowly nodding. "Yes, that's right. It's up there."

"DJ Fuller," Fernando chimes in, speaking into a microphone. Violet wasn't even sure where he found it or where he found all of this equipment. But she didn't bother asking. "Welcome to 'American Ninja Warrior; two-week-iversary Edition'." The upbeat music that's played in the show is turned on then, followed by flashing glowing lights as Violet cheered for DJ with the boys, the four of them holding up lit up foam fingers.

DJ's eyes widen while she glances around her living room in shock and disbelief. "Oh my ninja! I..."

"Here's your chance to see if you have what it takes." Fernando dramatically spoke.

"You ready, Deej?" Steve grinned.

"Well, I just crushed a forty-five minute spin class, but sure. Why not?" DJ decided, setting the duffle bag she held down with a grin and taking off her jacket.

"You have sixty seconds to complete the course." Fernando explained.

"Let's do this!" DJ said in determination.

"Go!" Tommy exclaimed, blowing an air horn he now held. Violet smiled at how cute he was before she started cheering with the others as DJ started the course.

"DJ is San Francisco-based veterinarian and a mother of three." Fernando dramatically announced in the microphone, much like how the host did in the show when introducing the competitors.

Steve takes the mic from him to add, "Sorry, fellas, she's taken."

Violet was impressed, DJ had went through almost all the obstacles so far like they were nothing. "Look at her go!" Violet laughs, clapping along with the others. DJ was making it look easy, breezing through each challenge with a determined grin on her face, her movements fluid and quick. It was a far cry from the nervous energy she had shown earlier when she first walked into the room, unsure what to expect. But now, it was clear—DJ was all in. "Go DJ!" She cheered, grinning when DJ pressed the red button near the bottom of the stairs. Which had Steve drop down a sign from the staircase that read 'steejay'.

"Can this suburban mom who has beaten all the odds to get here climb the cargo net and reach her beloved?" Fernando dramatically inquired.

"You bet I can!" DJ eagerly went over to the cargo net hooked to the top of the staircase she would have to climb over.

"Look at her go, she climbs like part spider, part climbing spider." Fernando commented.

"Could never be me. She makes it looks so easy." Violet admitted, watching DJ in surprise and awe as DJ effortlessly scaled the cargo net, her focus unshakable. Violet could often be clumsy, she knew she probably couldn't make it up that cargo net as easy as DJ did. But still, she was impressed.

"Come here, beautiful!" DJ said once she had climbed over the staircase. Steve, thinking she meant him, opened his arms for her with a grin, but she ran past him to the red button she pressed excitedly. Steve chuckled and cheered for her while the loud alarm goes off.

Violet cheers excitedly, hugging onto Jackson's arm and shaking him. "She did it! crushed the whole course like a pro!" She beamed.

Jackson looks down at her fondly, unable to resist pressing a kiss to her temple. He didn't even care she was jumping up and down in excitement and shaking his arm like she was trying to detach it—her enthusiasm was contagious. "You're cute." He murmured against her skin, his voice soft but full of affection. Violet's cheeks flushed, her excitement momentarily replaced by a shy smile as she glanced up at him.

"Shut up." She nudged him with a laugh, looking away shyly. 

Jackson chuckled, his arm still draped around her shoulders as he pulled her closer, the warmth of his affection grounding her in the moment. Violet bit her lip to keep from smiling too wide, but she couldn't help it—his teasing, his closeness, the electric hum of excitement in the room—it all felt perfect. She let herself lean into him, her heart light as laughter and cheers filled the air around them. Violet felt like she was exactly where she was meant to be.

A/N violet & jackson <3