Aria's POV

I climbed into the passenger seat of Jack's red BMW M3, the cool leather pressing against my skin as the faint hum of the engine filled the quiet air, syncing with the rhythm of my pulse. The playful ease of our time at the beach lingered in my mind, almost like a fleeting fairy tale. Being with Jack always felt easy—like a break from everything else. And honestly? I didn't want to go home tonight. I wasn't in the mood to sit alone in that silent house, not like my parents would notice I was gone, anyway.

Jack slid into the driver's seat, fingers tapping an easy rhythm on the steering wheel. His phone buzzed in the cupholder, and the screen on the dash lit up with the name: The Boss.

I shot him a raised eyebrow. "The Boss?"

He huffed a laugh, catching my expression. "Relax, it's my mom."

I smiled faintly, toying with the charm bracelet on my wrist as Jack answered.

"Hey, Mom... Yeah, I'm with Aria," he said, throwing me a quick, knowing smirk—because of course he'd enjoy the fact that I hated this kind of attention. "What's up?"

The sound of his mom's voice came through the speakers, warm and inviting. "I made lasagna for dinner. Are you with your girlfriend? Bring her over—I'd love to meet her."

Her words struck a soft chord somewhere deep, and for a moment, I couldn't help but wish my own parents were like that. But they weren't. They barely remembered I existed half the time. My gaze drifted to the window, watching the world blur past as Jack chatted with his mom—about me. The way she spoke, she already knew who I was. It felt strange, almost surreal, like being part of someone else's life for a moment.

Jack nodded along, his lips curling into that familiar cocky grin. "Dinner? Tonight? Yeah, sure. I'll bring her."

Hearing their conversation through the car's Bluetooth felt awkward, like I was eavesdropping on something private that I didn't quite belong in. My wish to avoid going home had been granted, sure—but dinner with his family? That was a curveball I wasn't prepared for.

Unexpected. Spontaneous. Way too soon.

It felt like a trap—either face the awkwardness of meeting his family or go home to an empty house. As much as the thought of meeting his family made my stomach twist, the idea of being alone in that silent house felt worse.

I sighed internally. I guess dinner with his family it is. Even if it was way out of my comfort zone.

"Good, because I made a lot of lasagna tonight. All right, see you soon, son. Love you," Jack's mom said warmly through the speakers.

"Love you too, Mom!" Jack replied, hanging up and tossing his phone back into the cupholder, that smug grin still lingering. With a quick tap, he pulled up his Spotify playlist, and the car filled with the familiar melody of Birds of a Feather by Billie Eilish.

The song caught me off guard, a small flicker of surprise settling in. Billie Eilish—no way. I am a huge fan, though I never mentioned it to Jack. Just a weird coincidence, but it made me smile anyway.

Jack didn't seem to notice, casually shifting the car into drive with that effortless ease he always had. His hand brushed mine briefly as he adjusted the gear. "Change of plans, babe. Time to meet the fam."

Damn, from a sweet moment at the beach to meeting his family. Definitely unexpected.

"Um..." I shifted uncomfortably, tugging at the sleeves of my sweater. "Are you sure? Maybe I shouldn't."

Jack arched a brow, that smug, knowing look of his sliding into place. "Come on, babygirl. It's not a big deal. They're just normal people—like you and me." He leaned in, brushing his knuckle gently along my cheek, the simple touch grounding me. "Besides, you survived a beach transformation today. Dinner's a piece of cake."

I let out a huffed laugh, though it sounded a little too forced. "Okay, first off, that's completely different. I've been dealing with these transformations since I was ten. I can handle those. This? Meeting your family? This feels... serious. Like we just got engaged or something."

Jack's hand slid easily over mine, his thumb tracing lazy circles on my knuckles. "Babe, I'm not asking you to marry me. It's just dinner. And wow—already jumping to the future? You've got plans, huh?"

I rolled my eyes. "Well, it feels like it."

Jack chuckled softly, shaking his head. "You'll be fine. My mom already likes you. I might've mentioned you a few times."

I shot him a skeptical look. "You talked about me?"

Jack grinned, clearly amused at my reaction. "Yeah. I mean, I talk to my family about my life. You just happen to be part of it now." He gave my hand a quick kiss, his lips warm against my skin.

"Great." I muttered, half-smiling despite myself.

He tilted his head, studying me with that soft, serious expression that always made me feel like he could see right through me. "Look, they're gonna love you, okay? You've got nothing to be nervous about."

"Well, at least you have parents that care," I muttered, my voice low. "Mine don't even know I exist half the time."

Jack sighed, shifting the car into drive. "Yeah, well, that changes tonight. You might finally have a family that gives a damn. I already care about you—pain in the ass or not. Although," he added with a teasing grin, "you're being especially stubborn about this whole thing right now."

I rolled my eyes, but despite myself, a small smile tugged at the corner of my mouth. "I'm only like this because I'm nervous. This is way out of my comfort zone. It kinda feels like my pain-in-the-ass boyfriend is manipulating me into meeting his parents."

Jack smirked, the corners of his mouth quirking up. "Damn right I am. But not my fault you chose me—and definitely not my fault you've had a crush on me since forever."

The drive fell into a comfortable silence, the hum of the engine smoothing over the tension. The Weeknd's True Colors played softly in the background, the song fitting the moment too well, as if it knew exactly what was going on inside my head. The scenery blurred past the windows, trees and houses melting together as Jack's red BMW glided effortlessly down the road.

His hand stayed wrapped around mine the entire way—a quiet reminder that I wasn't doing this alone, even though the urge to retreat into my invisible barrier gnawed at the back of my mind. But with Jack's steady grip, it was harder to disappear, even if that would've felt safer.

""You okay?" Jack asked after a few minutes, sneaking a quick glance my way.

I shrugged, though the familiar weight still pressed heavy on my chest. "Define okay. Because this? This is nerve-wracking."

Jack gave my hand a light squeeze, his thumb brushing soothing circles over my skin. "Stop overthinking, babe. My family isn't bad. They're friendly, I swear. And tonight? You've got me."

The knot in my chest loosened slightly—not completely, but enough for me to breathe a little easier. I let out a slow breath, resting my head against the cool glass of the window as the steady hum of the engine filled the quiet space between us.

By the time we pulled into Jack's driveway, the sunset had cast a warm, golden glow across the hood of the BMW, painting the red exterior with streaks of amber and orange.

Jack cut the engine, the car falling silent as he turned to me with a softer grin than usual. "Ready, babe?"

I hesitated, tugging at the charm bracelet around my wrist one last time before meeting his gaze. "If things go south... can I break up with you?"

Jack chuckled, his grin widening as he leaned across the console to press a quick kiss to my temple. "Not happening, babygirl."

The warmth of his kiss lingered, a small comfort that eased some of the nerves still gnawing at me.

With one last squeeze of my hand, we stepped out of the car, the evening air cool against my skin. I followed Jack up the path toward the front door, each step feeling a little heavier than the last, like the weight of the night was pressing down on me already.

But Jack's steady presence beside me made it just a bit easier to keep going—even though part of me still wanted to bolt.

As we pulled into Jack's driveway, the familiar knot in my chest tightened again, heavy and insistent, like a weight pressing down on my ribs. The house sat comfortably at the end of a quiet, tree-lined street, its exterior glowing under the soft halo of porch lights. The two-story home had a classic charm—brick walls with ivy creeping along the edges, and flowerbeds neatly arranged beneath large bay windows. Warm golden light spilled out through the windows, casting a soft, inviting glow onto the cobblestone path leading to the front door.

The scent of freshly cut grass lingered in the air, mingling with the faint smell of baked bread drifting through the slightly open kitchen window. Wind chimes tinkled softly somewhere, the autumn breeze stirring their delicate notes, making the whole scene feel almost... too perfect. Like one of those picture-perfect family moments you'd see on a holiday card. A family moment I didn't belong in.

To Jack, this house was just home—familiar, comforting. But to me, it felt like walking into enemy territory, unarmed and out of place, with nothing to shield me from the overwhelming sense that I didn't belong here.

I could already hear the hum of conversation inside, the muffled clink of dishes being set on the table. A warmth radiated from the place, making it clear that this house was more than just four walls. It was alive with memories, love, and everything I'd been missing.

The BMW's engine hummed softly as Jack shifted it into park, the subtle vibrations fading as the car stilled. Outside, the crisp autumn air pressed against the windows, carrying with it the scent of fallen leaves and distant wood smoke from a nearby chimney. It was the kind of home that made you feel safe—if you belonged there.

But I didn't.

I smoothed the front of my sweater nervously, glancing at Jack as he killed the engine. "Yeah, so... I'm officially breaking up with you. We're done. It's over," I muttered, tugging at the hem like it could somehow hold me together.

Jack laughed, leaning over to tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "First off, no, the fuck you're not. Second, you're already overthinking shit—again? Babe, we haven't even made it inside, and you've already dumped me? Guess I'll have to break the news to my mom. Poor woman's heart is gonna break."

"Yep," I said, nodding dramatically. "Sorry, but it was fun while it lasted, babe. We had a good run."

Jack snorted, grabbing my hand, his thumb brushing those slow, lazy circles over my knuckles. "Nah, no way. You're stuck with me. And trust me, they're gonna love you. No bullshit."

I started fiddling with the charm bracelet on my wrist, twisting it between my fingers, but before I could spin it a second time, Jack swatted my hand lightly.

"Babe, quit fucking with that. You're gonna break it before we even get to the door," he said, amusement coloring his voice. "What's next? You gonna tell me you're moving to fucking Alaska to dodge dinner?"

I gave him a mock glare. "Maybe. Alaska sounds peaceful."

Jack grinned, leaning closer, his voice dropping to that low, teasing tone that always turned my brain to mush. "Good luck with that, babygirl. I hear shipping iced pumpkin chai to the middle of nowhere is a bitch."

I rolled my eyes, though a small smile tugged at my lips despite myself. "You're a goddamn idiot."

"Yeah, but I'm your idiot," Jack shot back, smirking as he gave my hand another squeeze.

I sighed, glancing down at the charm bracelet. "What if it goes bad? What if they hate me? You know, just in case."

Jack tilted his head, studying me with that steady, soft look that always made me feel like he saw more of me than I wanted to show. "Babe, stop overthinking. It's just fucking dinner. You've got this."

I shot him a skeptical look. "Easy for you to say. You already know they like you."

Jack chuckled, brushing a kiss against my temple. "Exactly. And now they'll like you too. Trust me."

The front door swung open before we even had a chance to knock, revealing a smiling woman with Jack's same grey-green eyes and that familiar, easy grin. "Well, hello there!" she said warmly, her gaze flickering over me with genuine delight. "Oh my, you're as beautiful as Jack described. He wasn't exaggerating."

Jack groaned beside me, dragging a hand down his face. "Jesus, Mom, seriously? Why do you have to say it like that?"

Heat rushed to my neck and cheeks, and I managed an awkward smile. "Uh, hi... Nice to meet you."

Before I could react, Jack's mom pulled me into a brief but enthusiastic hug, the scent of lavender and something warm—like cinnamon—clinging to her. "It's so nice to finally meet you, sweetheart! Jack's told me about you a few times, but now I finally get to embarrass him properly." She grinned mischievously, glancing at Jack. "He never brings girls home, you know. This is a first. He never even mentions dating anyone."

Jack groaned louder this time. "Mom. Please."

Her laugh was warm and light, and she gave my arm a gentle squeeze before stepping back. "Come on in, both of you! Dinner's almost ready."

I shot Jack a look over his mom's shoulder, but he just grinned smugly, clearly reveling in my discomfort like the cocky bastard he was.

Before I could say anything, two energetic kids came barreling into the room—a boy and a girl, both around eight years old, brimming with excitement. They skidded to a halt in front of me, their wide eyes filled with curiosity and absolutely no filter.

The girl's face lit up instantly. "Mom was right! You are really pretty! Like... way too pretty for Jack."

Her brother nodded vigorously, his gaze bouncing between Jack and me like he was trying to solve a puzzle. "Yeah, seriously. How did he get you? He never brings girls home."

"Are you, like, his real girlfriend?" the girl added. "Or just one of those ones he dumps after, like, a week?"

Jack groaned, dragging his hands down his face. "Jesus Christ, guys—cut me some slack. Let's move this reunion inside before you scare her off."

But the twins were on a roll.

"So, how long have you guys been dating? Are you gonna marry Jack?" the boy pressed, tilting his head innocently, like he wasn't dropping bombshells left and right.

Jack looked like he wanted to crawl under the floor. "Okay, that's enough questions. Both of you—inside. Now."

The twins exchanged amused glances, then giggled in unison, delighted by their older brother's misery.

"Wow, Jack," I teased, barely containing my laughter. "Energetic angels, huh?"

Jack leaned in close, his voice low and dry with sarcasm. "Oh yeah. Absolute saints—when they're not trying to ruin my love life."

The boy grinned, not missing a beat. "We're just saying, Jack. It's weird you actually brought someone home. That never happens."

Jack shot them a warning look, though the corners of his mouth twitched in amusement. "You two need a serious filter. I swear, you've gotta be adopted. There's no way we share DNA."

I couldn't hold back my laughter this time. The twins were absolutely relentless, and seeing Jack squirm like this? It was adorable. Watching the famous, untouchable Jack Carter—the popular, perfect guy everyone at school worshipped—get roasted by his siblings was a rare treat. Even I could never quite get him to react like this. No matter how much I tried to tease him, he always stayed one step ahead, making me blush instead.

But the twins? Oh, they had him cornered, and it was a sight to see. His discomfort, the slight flush in his cheeks, the way he rubbed the back of his neck like he didn't know how to fight back—it was priceless.

"Man," I said through my laughter, nudging Jack's arm. "They're really doing a number on you. And here I thought I was the one giving you a hard time."

Jack groaned, his exasperation only half-faked. "Yeah, well, at least when you tease me, I have a chance. These two? They're ruthless."

The twins grinned, clearly pleased with themselves. "We just call it like we see it," the boy said with a shrug.

The girl nodded enthusiastically. "We're just making sure she knows what she's getting into."

Jack ran a hand through his hair, giving me a look that said, See what I have to deal with?

I shot him a smug grin. "I don't know... I think I like them. They're doing my job for me."

Jack huffed, rolling his eyes, but there was a softness in his expression that made my chest warm. "Great. Just what I need—you teaming up with them."

"Don't worry," the girl whispered loudly to me, as if Jack wasn't standing right there. "We'll find out if he's being serious about you or not."

Jack groaned again, rubbing his temples like they were giving him a migraine. "I swear to God, you two... If I didn't love you—"

"Yeah, yeah, you'd disown us," the boy interrupted, grinning triumphantly. "You say that every time."

The twins giggled in unison again, clearly delighted by Jack's discomfort and far too entertained by the sight of their older brother squirming. I tried to hold back my laughter, but it bubbled out anyway. "So, you two must be the famous twins. I'm Aria—Jack's girlfriend and the one who keeps him in check. Teasing him 24/7 is basically my full-time job."

Jack snorted, folding his arms across his chest. "Twenty-four-seven? That's a stretch, babe. More like fifty-fifty."

Chloe grinned mischievously, brushing a strand of my hair between her fingers. "I'm Chloe, and that's Noah. Jack told us you're really pretty."

Noah chimed in, all confidence and no filter. "And nice, too. But mostly, he said you were out of his league."

Jack groaned, his face buried in his hands. "Jesus Christ, you two. Can you not air out all my business?"

I grinned, casting a sly glance at Jack. "Huh. Seems like someone got a little annoyed hearing that," I teased, my smile widening as I remembered the conversation with Eli. I'd said those exact words about Jack once, thinking he was way out of my league. Apparently, he paid more attention than I gave him credit for.

Jack shot me a look—equal parts exasperated and amused. "That was not supposed to make it back to you, babygirl." He threw his hands up in mock defeat, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. "I fucking give up."

Chloe giggled, her fingers still playing with my hair. "Are you staying for dinner? I hope so! Mom makes really good lasagna."

Noah smirked, nudging Jack. "So, do you kiss her a lot?"

Jack's jaw dropped, and I burst out laughing, the awkward tension from earlier finally easing.

"Okay, that's it!" Jack said, grabbing both of them by the back of their collars. "You two are officially on a 'no speaking' ban. Let's go before you get us both in more trouble."

The twins shrieked with laughter as Jack herded them toward the kitchen, throwing me a look over his shoulder. "See what I deal with? And you thought I was bad."

I shook my head, unable to stop smiling. "They're not bad, babe. Honestly, it's nice seeing you squirm for a change."

Jack rolled his eyes, but the grin tugging at his lips gave him away. "Yeah, well, don't get too comfortable. Just wait till you hear what they'll say next. They've got no chill, I swear." He shot me a mischievous look, his hand squeezing mine. "And look at that, babygirl. Already won my siblings over. Now you just need to turn that cute-ass charm on my parents."

I gave him a flat look. "Yeah, I'm definitely breaking up with you."

Jack's grin widened. "Mom—!" he started to call, but I slapped my hand over his mouth, glaring at him as he laughed behind it.

"I fucking hate you," I muttered, and Jack's eyes sparkled with amusement as he kissed the palm of my hand before pulling it away.

Still chuckling, Jack laced his fingers through mine and led me toward the dining room. The table was already set, plates and silverware neatly arranged, with delicious smells wafting from the kitchen. His mom wasn't kidding—she had gone all out. Trays of lasagna, garlic bread, and salad were laid out, making my stomach grumble despite the lingering nerves.

Jack leaned in close, whispering playfully in my ear. "Told you. Mom doesn't mess around. You're stuck with us now."

I shot Jack a mock glare, though the warmth blooming in my chest betrayed me. "Guess it's too late to bail, huh?"

He grinned, that easy, heart-flipping grin that made my pulse skip in the most irritating way. "Way too late, babe."

The dining room was cozy, bathed in the golden glow of soft lighting. The rich scent of lasagna and garlic bread curled through the air, stirring a growl from my stomach despite the knot of nerves twisting inside me. Jack's mom moved gracefully between the kitchen and the table, setting down a fresh basket of breadsticks with the kind of care that made everything feel intentional—like more than just dinner. Plates, glasses, and a bright bowl of salad were arranged perfectly on the polished wood, and in the center of it all, a candle flickered softly, casting delicate shadows.

I shifted in my seat, trying to shake the feeling of being out of place. This wasn't just a casual meal—it felt like a subtle test, and I wasn't entirely sure I'd pass.

Jack's dad sat comfortably at the head of the table, his chair leaned back just enough to give off the air of someone completely at ease. As he sliced into the lasagna, he shot me a relaxed, curious look. "So," he said with a sly smile, "I hear we finally get to meet the girl who's been keeping Jack on his toes."

The words landed lightly, but there was an undercurrent in them—a mix of curiosity and amusement—that made me feel like I was under more than just polite observation.

I managed a small smile, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "I guess I have apparently."

Jack shot me that grin—the one that made everything feel lighter—and gave my knee a reassuring squeeze under the table. "Relax, babe. My dad talks tough, but trust me, he's a softie. He's just excited I finally brought someone home."

His mom's eyes sparkled with warmth as she settled into her seat, her gaze flickering between Jack and me. "You know," she began with a smile that held no edge, only quiet observation, "it's funny. I've seen Jack with plenty of girls, but none he's ever brought home like this. None he's stuck with."

Her words landed softly, but they carried weight. There was no malice, only a quiet pride, as if she'd waited a long time to witness this side of Jack—this vulnerability he rarely showed. It was a strange kind of validation, one that both comforted and unsettled me, drawing attention to the cracks I usually kept hidden.

It made me think about how different, yet similar, Jack and I were. He struggled with emotional availability, keeping people at a distance to protect himself, while I avoided getting close altogether—arms-length relationships to guard against inevitable disappointment.

The realization sat heavy between us, unspoken but real. Maybe that's why we worked in this strange, messy way—two people figuring out how to let someone in without falling apart in the process. And now, sitting here at his family's table, I could feel those walls shifting, just slightly, on both sides.

Jack's dad leaned forward, his tone casual, but the weight behind his words was hard to miss. "All I ever saw was football, friends, school, gym sessions, and then you brushing off relationships like they were nothing. Telling me, 'Girls are too much drama, I don't have time for that.'"

Jack rolled his eyes, but I could feel the tension in his posture. "Yeah, well... I figured it was about time."

His mom smiled softly, resting her hand on his. "You know you don't have to have all these expectations to yourself, honey."

The words hung in the air between them, gentle but heavy. I saw Jack's jaw tighten ever so slightly, like he wasn't ready to let that sink in just yet.

I glanced down at our joined hands under the table, my thumb brushing over his knuckles. Jack Carter, the star quarterback, the guy with a perfect family and an unstoppable future, was still figuring out how to be emotionally available. And I could see it—how hard it was for him to let anyone in, even his parents.

His dad leaned back with a chuckle. "It's true. The only girl we ever thought you'd commit to was football."

Jack shot him a playful glare. "Don't start, Dad."

But his mom just smiled, the warmth never leaving her expression. "We're just happy to see you happy, sweetheart. That's all we've ever wanted."

Her words were kind, but they still carried weight. I could see how much Jack wanted to meet their expectations, even though they weren't the kind to pressure him outright. It was like he was caught between who they believed he could be and the fear that he might let them down if he didn't stay on course.

I stayed quiet, twisting my moon ring absently, feeling a little like an outsider in this perfect world of theirs. They were the kind of parents who loved their kid no matter what, and yet Jack still felt the need to keep parts of himself hidden. Maybe it wasn't about them. Maybe it was about him.

Jack's family radiated warmth, the kind of support and care I'd stopped hoping for a long time ago. His upbringing seemed so different from mine—full of love and encouragement, a world where someone always had his back. Meanwhile, I'd learned not to expect that from my parents. They were always out on business trips or busy with work, their time spent more with each other than with me. I'd grown used to filling that emptiness with distractions and independence.

And yet, here was Jack—his family surrounding him with care, never too busy for him. The only pressure in his life came from himself, from the expectations he carried to be perfect. Sitting here, I couldn't help but feel the contrast. He had what I always wanted but stopped believing I could ever have.

It was a strange, bittersweet feeling—like standing outside, looking through a window at a life I didn't know how to belong to.

Jack must've sensed my discomfort because he leaned in closer, his shoulder brushing mine. "Don't let them freak you out, babe. They just like you more than they like me."

I snorted, grateful for the distraction. "Hard not to. I mean, I'm a pretty good catch."

His mom laughed, and even his dad cracked a smile. "Smart, too. You've got your hands full, Jack."

"Tell me about it," Jack muttered, but his smile softened, and he gave my knee another reassuring squeeze.

As the conversation shifted to football—safe territory—I let myself relax a little, though the tension still lingered at the edges. Jack was good at hiding things, but I was starting to see through the cracks. He wasn't just keeping girls at a distance because of football. He was afraid—afraid that letting someone in might throw everything off balance, that being vulnerable would somehow make him less.

And the worst part? I knew exactly how that felt.

Jack's mom reached across the table to refill his water glass, her smile never faltering. "You know we're proud of you, no matter what, right?"

Jack nodded, his expression unreadable, but I saw the flicker of something in his eyes—something vulnerable and raw.

And in that moment, I realized that Jack Carter wasn't just the golden boy everyone thought he was. He was human, just like the rest of us, doing his best to live up to expectations, even when they were wrapped in love.

As his parents laughed over some story about his little siblings, Jack leaned closer, his voice low enough for only me to hear. "You okay?"

I gave him a small smile, nudging him with my shoulder. "I'm good."

But deep down, I wasn't sure if I was. Being here, seeing this side of him, made me feel things I wasn't ready for. And the scariest part? I knew Jack felt the same way.

He wasn't perfect. And neither was I. But maybe, just maybe, we could figure this out together.

As the conversation flowed around the table, I couldn't help but notice how effortlessly Jack fit in with his family. They laughed easily, tossing jokes back and forth like it was second nature. Jack teased his mom, playfully argued with his siblings, and rolled his eyes at his dad's lame jokes.

After dinner, the weight of the evening pressed harder on my chest, making it harder to breathe. Jack noticed—of course, he always noticed—and leaned down, his breath warm against my ear.

"Come on, babe," he murmured, a playful grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Let's get out of here before they find some new way to embarrass me."

Relief washed over me, and I gave a small nod. "Yeah, please."

He took my hand, his fingers lacing easily with mine as we moved through the house. His thumb traced slow circles over my knuckles, the touch steady and grounding, as if he knew how fast my mind was racing. The wooden stairs creaked beneath our feet, and the familiar scent of his cologne—woodsy and warm—wrapped around me like a safety net. It was so distinctly Jack it made my chest ache.

When we reached his room, Jack nudged the door open with his shoulder. The soft click of it shutting behind us felt like a breath I hadn't realized I was holding.

His room was cast in a warm glow from the desk lamp, the light soft and flickering at the edges. Posters of football players hung crookedly on the walls, a few trophies gleaming from a shelf, and a hoodie slumped lazily over the back of a chair. It was lived-in, imperfect—but it felt like him.

I sank onto the edge of his bed, twisting my moon ring between my fingers, grounding myself in the motion. "Your family... they're really something," I muttered, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'm not used to... this."

Jack kicked off his shoes and dropped onto the bed beside me, the mattress dipping under his weight. His knee brushed against mine—just enough to remind me he was there. "Yeah, they're a lot," he admitted with a grin. "But they like you. A lot."

I gave him a small smile, though my chest still felt tight. "Guess I should be relieved they didn't scare me off."

Jack nudged me gently with his shoulder. "Scare you? Not a chance."

I huffed out a small laugh, though it felt more like a reflex than anything. "Well, you've got me for now. And let's be real—Brent isn't exactly backup material."

Jack's grin widened, but there was a flicker of something else in his gaze—a vulnerability that slipped through the cracks. It wasn't the carefree, quarterback smile everyone else knew him for. It was deeper, rawer.

"My parents weren't lying about what they said," Jack admitted, rubbing the back of his neck, as if the words weighed more than he expected. "I never brought anyone home before." He paused, his voice softer now. "Brent's in and out of this house all the time—it's practically his second home—but that's not the same thing."

The honesty in his voice caught me off guard. My heart tightened, and I tilted my head, meeting his gaze. "Why me?" The words slipped out before I could stop them.

Jack exhaled slowly, his grin fading into something softer. "You never wanted the version of me that everyone else saw," he said quietly. "You weren't chasing the quarterback or the guy with the perfect family. You saw me—the habits, the flaws. And somehow... you stayed."

His words hit harder than I expected, stirring something deep in my chest. I'd spent so long watching him from the sidelines, memorizing every detail—the way he tapped his foot when he was anxious, how he ran a hand through his hair when he was thinking too hard. I'd seen him float from one relationship to the next, always at surface level, never staying long enough to let anyone in. And yet, here we were.

I twisted the ring one last time, gathering the courage to say what I'd been thinking. "I stayed because... I knew what it felt like—to be invisible."

Jack's gaze softened, the flicker of vulnerability still lingering in his expression. "Yeah," he murmured. "But with you... it's different."

"Different how?" I whispered, my heart stuttering in my chest.

Jack gave a small, self-deprecating grin. "With you, I don't have to pretend. I don't have to be perfect." He paused, his hand brushing lightly against mine. "And the only time you ever ran was when I tried to know the real you. That's the part that scared you, right?"

The weight of his words settled between us, heavy but honest. And for the first time, I realized how much Jack had been paying attention—how much he'd seen through my walls, just as I had seen through his.

I swallowed hard, my voice barely above a whisper. "Yeah... that's the part that scared me."

Jack leaned closer, brushing a kiss against my temple. "We'll figure it out," he whispered. "One step at a time."

A small smile tugged at my lips, and the knot in my chest loosened just a little. "You think so?"

Jack grinned, wrapping an arm around my shoulders and pulling me close. "Definitely. And just so you know—you're stuck with me now."

I laughed softly, leaning into him. "Oh, is that so?"

Jack chuckled, his breath warm against my hair. "Yep. No take-backs."

For a moment, the world outside his room didn't exist. It was just us—messy, complicated, but real. The weight of the evening, the awkwardness, the vulnerability—it all melted away, leaving only the warmth of Jack's arm around me and the quiet hum of the lamp in the background.

"Thanks, babe," I whispered, my voice soft. "For being real with me."

Jack's thumb traced lazy circles over my knuckles, his touch steady and comforting. "Always."

And in that moment, sitting together in the quiet glow of his room, I realized that maybe, just maybe, we weren't as broken as we thought.

We were sitting on Jack's bed, the soft hum of the night wrapping around us. Jack was scrolling through something on his phone, one arm draped lazily around my shoulders. I leaned into him, savoring the moment of peace when suddenly—

The door flew open, and Chloe burst in, grinning mischievously with a cup of water in hand. "Jack! Mom says—oops!"

Before I could react, the water splashed onto my feet, cold and unrelenting.

"Shit," I hissed, feeling the telltale tingle starting to race up my legs. "Jack—Jack! It's happening!"

Jack shot up instantly, his phone clattering to the floor. "Goddamn it, Chloe!" he groaned, grabbing a towel.

Chloe stood frozen, wide-eyed. "What's happening?"

"No time!" Jack barked, tossing the towel over my feet and yanking me off the bed. "Babe, bathroom. Now."

We stumbled to the door, Jack half-carrying me as the transformation surged through me, inevitable and unstoppable. I could feel my legs fusing together, the tingling giving way to the unmistakable weight of scales.

"Water is literally your worst enemy," Jack muttered, kicking the bathroom door open and slamming it shut behind us.

"Tell me about it," I grumbled, gripping the towel tightly around me, my tail now fully formed beneath it.

Jack crouched down, pulling the towel tighter to shield me. "I swear, this happens way too often."

"Yeah, tell that to your siblings," I shot back, glancing down at the shimmering tail that now lay awkwardly on the bathroom floor.

With a focused breath, I clenched my fists and used my hydro-thermokinesis, sending warmth rushing through my tail. Steam rose from my scales, and within seconds, my tail disappeared, replaced by dry legs. My clothes reappeared just as quickly, fully dry like nothing had ever happened.

Jack stood up, tossing the towel aside with a grin. "Not bad, babe. You'll get the hang of it eventually."

I rolled my eyes, straightening my sweater. "Eventually?"

We were lounging on Jack's bed, the quiet hum of the evening wrapping around us. Jack scrolled lazily through his phone, one arm draped over my shoulders. I leaned into him, enjoying the rare moment of calm, when suddenly—

The door flew open with a loud BANG, and in stormed Chloe and Noah, grinning like little demons, each armed with neon-colored water guns.

"Surprise attack!" Noah shouted, gleefully spraying water at us before we had a chance to react.

Cold droplets splattered over my legs and feet, and my stomach dropped.

"Shit!" I hissed, the familiar tingling sensation spreading through my skin. "Jack—Jack! It's happening!"

Jack jumped up immediately, his phone hitting the floor with a dull thud. "Fucking hell, you two!" he barked, snatching the towel from the bed.

Chloe giggled, gleefully spraying more water. "What? It's just water!" she said innocently, though her grin betrayed her mischief.

Noah's eyes widened as he noticed me clutching my legs, the panic clearly written on my face. "What's the big deal? We thought a surprise would be, like, a cool welcome to the family!" he added with a proud smile, as if drenching me with water was the most thoughtful gesture in the world.

Jack groaned, rubbing a hand over his face in frustration. "I'll deal with you two later," he snapped, already yanking me off the bed and hauling me toward the bathroom. His siblings just exchanged an amused look, shrugged, and darted off down the hall, still locked in their water gun war.

"Babe, let's go!" Jack muttered under his breath, practically carrying me toward the bathroom.

I stumbled behind him, my legs already fusing as the tingling sensation spread relentlessly. "They welcomed me with water guns? Couldn't they have done something that didn't involve water?" I groaned, my voice strained as the transformation surged forward, unstoppable.

Jack snorted, half-laughing despite the chaos. "Yeah, well, random is kind of their thing. My siblings love pulling off weird stunts. It gives my parents headaches on a regular basis."

He kicked open the bathroom door with one hand and guided me inside just in time. The moment the door clicked shut behind us, I felt my legs meld together, the shimmering scales of my tail now fully formed beneath me.

Jack kicked open the bathroom door with his foot and slammed it shut behind us. "This happens way too fucking often," he muttered, half-carrying me to the bathtub.

"Tell me about it!" I grumbled, gripping the towel around me tightly as my tail fully emerged, shimmering with vibrant scales that glinted under the bathroom's dim light.

Jack crouched beside me, draping the towel over my tail like a shield, his grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "You know, for an irresistible mermaid who's stolen my heart, you sure do have a thing for attracting water."

I smirked, adjusting the towel as my tail flicked, scattering droplets across the tiles. "Yeah, well, the water's been trailing me since forever. I've been dodging it like it's cursed since I was ten," I shot back, a playful edge in my voice. "Managed to survive just fine—until you came along and stirred things up."

Jack chuckled, crouching to swipe up the stray droplets with the towel. "And look at you now, thriving."

With a deep breath, I clenched my fists, channeling the familiar warmth through my body. Steam curled off my scales as the heat dried my tail almost instantly. The shimmering surface faded, leaving my legs restored in a smooth, practiced shift. My clothes reappeared without a wrinkle, as if the transformation had never happened.

Jack leaned back, grinning. "That power of yours never fails to amaze me."

I rolled my eyes, pulling my sweater back into place. "Yeah, yeah. Your personal 'super mermaid,' reporting for duty."

Jack tossed the damp towel aside with a lazy grin. "Damn right you are."

I crossed my arms, aiming a mock glare at him. "Glad to know you only like me for my mermaid powers. Maybe I should be your hero instead."

Jack leaned against the counter, his grin widening in that annoyingly charming way of his. "Nah, babe, that spot's already taken. I'm the one saving your ass on a daily basis."

I huffed, unable to stop the small smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. "Well, you're awfully proud of yourself, aren't you?"

Jack winked, his voice dropping to a playful murmur. "What can I say? Someone's gotta keep you in line, babe."

As we made our way downstairs, Jack's mom appeared in the kitchen doorway, cradling a Tupperware container with a warm smile. "Here you go, sweetheart. Take this with you," she said gently. "I made way too much, and I'd feel better knowing you have something good to eat."

My cheeks warmed with a mix of surprise and gratitude. "Uh... Thank you, ma'am," I mumbled, feeling an unfamiliar sense of comfort. For once, it felt nice—really nice—to have someone notice, someone who cared in that quiet, motherly way.

Lucy gasped dramatically, pressing a hand to her heart as if I'd mortally wounded her. "Oh no, no, no! Please don't call me ma'am. It makes me feel ancient." She gave me a playful smile. "I'm Lucy, sweetheart. Just Lucy. I'm begging you—never say the word ma'am."

Ethan, Jack's dad, chuckled from his spot by the door. "I'll second that. 'Sir' is off-limits too."

"Oh. Okay," I mumbled, flustered.

Jack leaned down, his lips brushing close to my ear as he whispered, "Yeah, babe. They really hate it. Makes them feel old."

"Oh," I muttered back, feeling like I'd just barely passed some weird social test.

Lucy grinned, clearly enjoying my awkward recovery as she pressed the container into my hands. "No arguments, Aria. You're family now."

Chloe and Noah weren't far behind, rushing up with matching wide-eyed looks. "Do you have to go already?" Chloe whined, tugging at Jack's sleeve.

"Yeah! Stay longer!" Noah added, bouncing slightly on his toes.

Jack laughed, ruffling their hair with both hands. "We'll be back soon. Promise."

As we reached the front door, Ethan leaned against the frame, his expression warm and inviting. "You're welcome here anytime, kiddo. Don't be a stranger."

Something warm stirred in my chest at his words, the kind of warmth I hadn't felt in a long time. I clutched the Tupperware like it was the most valuable thing in the world. "Thank you, Mr.—I mean, Ethan."

Lucy shot me a wink, and Jack grinned as he grabbed my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze as we stepped out the door into the cool night.

The BMW rumbled smoothly beneath us as we cruised through the quiet streets, the headlights cutting through the soft darkness. Jack's hand rested comfortably on my knee, his thumb tracing slow, lazy circles that sent warmth radiating up my leg. The night outside was peaceful, broken only by the gentle hum of the engine and the rhythmic shifts of gears.

Jack shot me a sidelong glance, that familiar smirk curling his lips. "Look at you, babe. You survived the Carter family dinner. I'm proud of my girl."

I huffed a laugh, letting my head rest against the cool glass of the window. "Barely. Your siblings practically baptized me with those water guns."

Jack chuckled, his hand giving my knee a playful squeeze. "Yeah, well. I'll talk to them. Leave out the mermaid part, though. They're little menaces, but you survived."

A small smile tugged at the corners of my mouth as I twisted the moon ring on my finger, the faint hum against my skin grounding me. "I love your family," I admitted softly, almost to myself.

Jack's grin softened, and when he spoke, his voice was low, serious. "You know you're always welcome, right? Any time you don't wanna be alone, just text me. You've got a place here."

His words slipped through the cracks of my invisible barrier, loosening the knot that had been tangled in my chest all evening. It was strange—comforting and terrifying all at once. I hadn't felt like I belonged anywhere in a long time, but maybe, just maybe, I wasn't as lost as I thought.

Jack glanced at me again, his gaze steady and unreadable, the kind of look that saw right through me. "You've got me, babe. Always."

And in that quiet moment, with the hum of the BMW beneath us and the night folding around us like a blanket, I realized something I hadn't dared admit until now: I wasn't alone anymore. Not with Jack.

I smiled softly, my fingers brushing against his hand on my knee. "Always," I whispered, more to myself than to him.

He gave my knee another squeeze, and just like that, everything felt exactly as it should—like I was right where I was meant to be.

<>

A/N: I haven't tapped into Jack's family deeply until now. Since Aria's parents aren't around. This is where they come in. Yay! I know it took a while for them to come in, right? Anyway, comment, vote, and criticism is greatly appreciated for me to improve on. Of course, more vulnerability moments they needed. Another perspective too.