#Hearing Adelaide

[rinmemesuoka]

adelaide in front of a group of hella's friends (including her meangirl situationship) who were not there for the regicide: oh hella did Such a good job killing me. it was kind of a sex thing.

hella, dragging her hands down her face: it wasn't. it was not a sex thing. fero was there.

[bbbrianjones]

the more i learn abt my nana the more i just know we would have been fucking BESTIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[thetimelordbatgirl]

Okay, Adelaide's death in Waters of Mars is tragic as fuck, but honestly, I feel like Steffi's is up there as well as we literally see her pull up footage of her two daughters back on Earth, wanting them to be the last thing she sees as the Flood gets into the room and takes over her, killing her in the process.

[adelaidedrubman]

Jestiny and Adelaide and or Jenna and either Jess or Tracey :) -Banjo

TY BELOVED excuse me for scrambling in late because i forgot to answer these.

adelaide probably one of the more fun and functional ship options that could exist for jestiny tbh. confirmed that adelaide is into hot and crazy and violent, so we’re a go there. and she is already good at taking jestiny’s flightiness and erraticism in stride better than most. hell, she’s jestiny’s only consistent friend and the first person to charm her into a conversation that isn’t miserable for both parties. (yes it’s primarily because the conversation doesn’t get much more deep and personal than sex jokes but.) tbh the only possible deal breaker xander (made jestiny do yoga that time she will never forgive). when your feral opossum girlfriend won’t stop hissing at your golden retriever boyfriend.

(that being said adelaide and xander probably 100% hook up with jessie and john at some point in the hl&s verse but they are very, very clear about the fact this does not mean they’re forming a polycule they’ve seen how that turns out.)

tracey and jenna would fail to get off the ground for. largely the same reasons jenna for her part would be interested in the first place, tracey is very incisive and discerning in her cynicism but. that’s also going to be directed at jenna as the exact kind of morally bankrupt dressed up in nice language type tracey takes issues with. she isn’t going to have much patience for her edgelord moral relativism, as much as jenna would love sitting around hearing all tracey’s witty and pessimistic musings about society. that’s before even touching the fact tracey’s canon stance is wanting fewer mad scientists around.

and jess would probably have even less patience for jenna’s annoying “let’s over intellectualize everything” habit and not even begin to entertain it. but, at least they’re both extremely personally annoyed by jacob so that’s something they can bond over. maybe a behind the veteran’s center spite hookup in the cards for them idk

[hearingadelaide]

How Hearing Aids Can Alleviate Tinnitus: A Comprehensive Guide

Tinnitus, often described as a persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears, affects millions of people worldwide. This condition can be distressing and challenging to manage, but hearing aids have emerged as a promising solution for many individuals. Here's a comprehensive guide on how hearing aids can alleviate tinnitus and improve your quality of life.

Understanding Tinnitus

Tinnitus is not a disease but a symptom of an underlying condition, such as hearing loss, ear infections, or exposure to loud noises. The exact cause of tinnitus can be complex and multifactorial, making treatment approaches varied.

How Hearing Aids Help

Hearing aids are designed to amplify external sounds, making them particularly beneficial for individuals with hearing loss. For those with tinnitus, hearing aids can offer several advantages:

Sound Masking: Hearing aids can amplify external sounds to mask the internal sounds of tinnitus. By increasing the volume of ambient noise, the perception of tinnitus can diminish.

Improved Communication: Many people with tinnitus also experience hearing loss. Hearing aids can improve overall hearing ability, making it easier to communicate and engage in daily activities, which can reduce the focus on tinnitus.

Customizable Sound Therapy: Modern hearing aids often include sound therapy features. These features allow users to play soothing sounds or white noise through their hearing aids, which can help distract from tinnitus and provide relief.

Enhanced Quality of Life: By improving hearing and reducing the stress associated with tinnitus, hearing aids can significantly enhance an individual's quality of life. Better hearing can lead to more social interactions, reduced frustration, and improved emotional well-being.

Choosing the Right Hearing Aid

Selecting the right hearing aid involves considering various factors, such as the severity of tinnitus, the type of hearing loss, and personal preferences. It’s essential to consult with an audiologist or hearing specialist who can recommend the most suitable device and settings for your specific needs.

Conclusion

Hearing aids offer a valuable solution for many people struggling with tinnitus. By enhancing external sounds and providing customizable sound therapy, these devices can help alleviate the discomfort associated with tinnitus and improve overall hearing. For more information on how hearing aids can be integrated into tinnitus treatment plans, consider exploring options with your healthcare provider and looking into hearing aids and tinnitus treatment.

[crowsflag]

thinking about jordan dawson kicking the winning goal at the 2022 round 3 showdown always, always and forever.

[hearingclinicadelaide]

Exploring the Connection Between Hearing Health and Overall Well-being

In the grand tapestry of well-being, there exists a crucial thread often overlooked—the health of our hearing. Beyond the simple act of perceiving sound, our auditory system plays a symphonic role in shaping our overall wellness. In this blog post, we unravel the intricate connection between hearing health and the broader spectrum of well-being, delving into the profound impact our ability to hear has on various facets of life.

1: The Social Harmony of Communication: Effective communication is the cornerstone of our social lives. Explore how hearing health influences our ability to connect with others, fostering meaningful relationships and reducing the risk of social isolation. From casual conversations to important life events, the quality of our hearing intertwines with the richness of our social interactions, influencing mental and emotional well-being.

2: Cognitive Resonance and Brain Health: Recent studies have shed light on the fascinating connection between hearing health and cognitive function. Uncover the links between hearing loss and conditions such as cognitive decline and dementia. Dive into the research that suggests maintaining good hearing health can contribute to a healthier brain, supporting mental sharpness and cognitive resilience as we age.

3: Emotional Harmony and Mood Regulation:The emotional resonance of sound is undeniable. Explore how hearing health plays a pivotal role in mood regulation and emotional well-being. Discover the emotional impact of music, laughter, and the comforting cadence of familiar voices. Recognize how untreated hearing loss can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and a diminished overall sense of happiness.

4: The Rhythm of Physical Health: The connection between hearing health and physical well-being extends beyond the ears. Delve into how an individual's auditory abilities influence their physical activity, balance, and overall mobility. From navigating the world with spatial awareness to participating in fitness routines, maintaining good hearing health contributes to a more active and physically resilient 5: Sleep Serenity and Restorative Rest The quality of our sleep is intricately linked to our well-being. Investigate the impact of hearing health on sleep patterns and overall restorative rest. Learn how the absence of disruptive noises and the soothing sounds of nature can contribute to a serene sleep environment, promoting better physical and mental health.

Conclusion: Adelaide's Well-being Symphony - A Note on Clear Hearing In the grand finale of our exploration, it's evident that hearing aids Adelaide compose a distinct and indispensable note in the well-being symphony of this vibrant city. From fostering social connections to supporting cognitive function, emotional equilibrium, physical resilience, and restorative sleep, these devices harmonize the various elements that define a fulfilling existence in Adelaide. By recognizing and embracing the transformative power of clear hearing, individuals can truly orchestrate a healthier and more enriching life in Adelaide's captivating community.

[fazcinatingblog]

*whispers* collingwood are in the 8

[eurofox]

Trying to do my Australian travel itinerary and kind of shocked at how much it costs to see that Uluru

Like it's one of the few famous Australian things, but fucking hell it's a lot of cash and faffing about to get anywhere near it.

Think that's going off the list

[hearingtestadelaide]

Hearing Test - What You Need to Know

Hearing tests serve two primary functions. First, they measure your hearing level; secondly, they identify any ear issues that might impact it; and finally, they reveal whether other medical problems could interfere with hearing.

Hearing tests are an easy, quick, and painless way to determine whether you have hearing loss. Furthermore, they may detect other issues before they become chronic or severe.

Pure-tone audiometry

An audiological hearing test is designed to provide insight into how your ears operate, typically performed by a doctor or hearing health professional such as an audiologist.

At this type of hearing test Adelaide, a hearing care professional plays various pure tones at different frequencies until you can no longer detect these tones.

Your doctor can then use these results to create an audiogram (which displays hearing thresholds) that helps you understand the severity of your hearing problem and whether hearing aids may be needed.

Additionally, this test helps identify whether you have conductive or sensorineural hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound cannot travel from its source into your inner ear through the ear canal or eardrum; sensorineural hearing loss occurs due to issues in nerve pathways connecting the outer and middle ears to the brain.

Otoacoustic emissions (OAE)

An OAE hearing test Adelaide involves placing a small probe with a microphone and speaker into your ear canal, with sounds produced stimulating your inner-ear hair cells to test them out.

Hair cells vibrate to create a tranquil sound that echoes back through your middle ear; an audiologist then measures this signal to assess how well your hearing is working.

To enhance the quality of recordings, reducing ambient and patient (physiologic) noise levels with a high-pass filter is crucial. This will significantly decrease low-frequency noise production and enable you to record an OAE more clearly.

OAE testing can be an invaluable way to diagnose hearing loss in those unable to complete conventional audiometry or too young for pure tone audiometry testing. Furthermore, OAE can help identify and treat various hearing-related conditions.

Tympanometry

Tympanometry is an integral part of hearing test Adelaide that allows professionals to establish the condition and movement of the eardrum. In addition, the test measures how quickly it responds to changes in air pressure.

Tympanometry machines are used to take measurements and create a graph called a tympanogram, which displays peak (maximum) eardrum movement as it reacts to changes in pressure.

An abnormal "flat" tympanogram may indicate fluid or other conditions preventing normality; such conditions could affect fluid retention in the middle ear.

Children and adults undergo tympanometry as part of a comprehensive audiological evaluation and to conduct OAEs. Based on the results of your tympanogram, your doctor may prescribe medications or refer you to a specialist for further testing.

Auditory brainstem response (ABR)

ABR (Automatic Brain Response) testing measures how well your ears detect sound and relay it to the brain. This form of a hearing test is constructive for infants or small children who cannot cooperate with traditional methods for testing or anyone unable to cooperate in regular hearing assessments.

ABR uses electrodes to record brain wave activity in response to sounds heard through earphones, providing data that helps determine if there is an issue with your hearing nerve or an obstruction in one of the pathways carrying sound to the brain, potentially leading to symptoms like difficulty understanding conversational speech, ringing in ears, fullness in ears or balance issues.

ABR measures far-field reflections of potentials arising in auditory nerve and brainstem auditory pathways during the first 10-15 ms following transient acoustic stimuli, typically at frequencies from 20Hz-20kHz.

[ghost-bison]

what actually rocks my shit with the moment ten finally hears the four knocks and realizes he's going to die anyway isn't just the look in his eyes - because bro, that was some damn good acting. no, it's also, mostly the fact that it's not just because he's going to die that he feels so sick. it's also because he realizes he has been on his guard, and paranoid for so long, and that in the end, nobody was out there to kill him. he's been paranoid over nothing. it made him act out of fear and do terrible stuff just to convince himself he could do anything including surviving, and that look in his eyes when he solves his case is one that says "it's always been you or them. it will always be you or them":

nine had to sacrifice his life to save rose's and then ten his happiness for hers.

donna begged him to let her stay but he couldn't bear to watch her die so he did something selfish and erased her memories against her will - not really just to protect her, but to protect himself from the pain and grief of losing her.

not that that's how he sees it. in his mind he probably thinks he did it for her.

then in waters of mars he comes back and saves three people who were supposed to die and someone knocks three times and he probably likes to think he's the one who averted a fourth one - because it would entail that he can do it: save himself and save them.

then it all comes crashing down that he can't when adelaide brooke offs herself - it's either him or them and it will always be them.

there he goes, last two episodes, resigned to his fate: he will confront the master and the drumming and die to save everyone.

but he survives.

and for a moment, everything shifts. maybe he can be happy. maybe he can find a way to bring donna's memories back without killing her. maybe he will see rose again.

finally, wilfred knocks, and it's the cruelest reminder - it will always be you or them. it will always be them.

[gr8ntaire]

no bc u don’t UNDERSTANDDDDD their rivalry was so intense Prost put a clause in his contract saying he wouldn’t be teammates with senna again but when he retired ayrton begged Prost to come back because he couldn’t feel challenged by anyone else on the grid, their rivalry was so intense it was a period of great distress for alain but at Adelaide senna dragged Prost up onto the number one spot on the podium. During their time as teammates they didn’t talk, to the point that Prost has told a story of them “hanging out” but after their dinner senna went into the other room and slept because he refused to talk. But when Prost retired they would talk on the phone multiple times a week. One of the last things we ever hear from Senna is his radio message saying hello to alain; in the 30 years since alain has done nothing but speak with so much love and respect for ayrton and the importance of their rivalry and protected ayrton’s legacy. They r so important to me.

[augustinewrites]

cw: pregnancy

“when you said we were sneaking out to go for a ride, i didn't think you meant that,” you sigh, breathless but content as you slump against your husband’s chest.

“deep breaths, darling,” diluc encourages, fingertips brushing down your spine. it makes him think of before, of juvenile fumbling and embarrassment. he’s much less chaste now. confident in his touches and his ability to please you. “why let the horses have all the fun?”

“you’ve been spending too much time with kaeya,” you grumble.

“i agree. it’s why i had to sneak away from his party with you.”

“your party,” you correct, letting him twine your fingers with yours. just like he had earlier, when he’d convinced you to sneak out of the surprise birthday party thrown in his honour. “the guests are likely looking for you.”

diluc’s used to being the center of attention. he doesn't necessarily enjoy it, but his day-to-day is filled with employees searching for his signature or potential clients seeking his participation on new ventures. as the king of the wine industry, he’s possibly the most in-demand person in mondstadt.

but their attention is nothing compared to yours. you’re his favourite person.

“you didn't even make it to the cake,” you add, shifting in his lap. “which means they'll be looking for us soon.”

he brings your hand to his lips, placing a soft kiss upon your knuckles and making your heart flutter. “i've already had dessert.”

your face warms considerably against his skin as he chuckles, releasing your hand in favour of slowly smoothing his palm down your side, resting on your hip. he’s more than content to abandon his birthday party entirely in favour of being here in bed, watching the sunset over the fields of your home and bathing you both in golden light.

“well, it’s your birthday party,” you say softly. “even if your actual birthday is two days away, i still want you to have everything you could possibly want. and if what you want is to sneak away from your party to bed me so thoroughly, who am i to argue?”

his heart starts to thump so loudly in his chest that he fears you can hear it. he does want something else, an answer to a question that’s been stifled by shyness, fear, and uncertainty.

“and if i wanted…something else?”

your fingers trace idle patterns across his arm as you hum. “i’d do my best to give it to you.”

he knows you would. which is why he’s been waiting, making sure you want this just as much as he does.

“kaeya said something to me earlier,” he starts.

“please tell me this doesn't end with you hitting him.”

“of course not.” well, not this time. “he asked when i would make him an uncle.”

your movements pause, and diluc wonders if he'd messed up, if it was too soon–

you sit up immediately, grasping his shoulders. “he told you i was pregnant, didn't he? i knew adelaide wouldn't be able to keep it a secret. she’s been knitting baby socks since last week.”

wait.

wait.

“you’re–”

“i wanted it to be a surprise,” you deflate, a frown tugging on your pretty lips. “on your real birthday. adelinde was the only one i told, only because she’d caught me throwing up in the rose bush she’d just pruned and insisted i get checked…”

diluc’s hardly hearing you, your rambling slowing to a stop as he holds your face in his hands.

he needs to hear you say it.

“we’re having a baby?”

you place your hands atop his, nodding. “we’re having a baby, diluc.”

he presses his lips against yours, one firm kiss before he rests his forehead against yours. you are and will always be his favourite person, the only one who could give him a gift as special as this.

_____

BONUS:

“lavender bisque. whispering peach. sweet potato surprise…” adelinde murmurs, hunched over a few sheets of paper.

“what is that? is that the menu for tomorrow’s party?” kaeya asks, peeking over her shoulder.

adelinde sighs, shaking her head. “they're sample colours i had sent over for the nursery.”

“nursery?”

“yes–” the colour drains from the poor woman’s face as she realizes her slip. “oh dear!”

the realization takes a few moments to sink into the cavalry captain’s “my brother had sex?!”

for @mydiluc aka mrs diluc ragnvindr for listening to my endless rambles...and also diluc bday fic!!!

[adelaidehearingclinic]

Hearing Clinic Near Me | Adelaide Hearing

Hearing Clinic Near Me is a professional audiology center dedicated to providing comprehensive hearing care services to individuals in the local community. Our clinic offers a wide range of diagnostic assessments, hearing evaluations, and personalized treatment options to address various hearing concerns. With a team of highly skilled audiologists and state-of-the-art equipment, we are committed to delivering accurate assessments and customized solutions to enhance our patient's quality of life. Whether it's hearing aid fittings, hearing protection, or rehabilitation services, our knowledgeable staff ensures a compassionate and patient-centered approach. At Hearing Clinic Near Me, we prioritize exceptional care and strive to create a positive impact on individuals experiencing hearing difficulties. Adelaide Hearing Clinic is located in Australia; Call them at 0883572290.

[hearingadelaide]

How Hearing Aids Can Help Manage Tinnitus: A Comprehensive Guide

Tinnitus, characterized by persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in the ears, affects millions worldwide and can disrupt daily life. While there's no cure, hearing aids have become a popular solution to manage symptoms. By amplifying external sounds, hearing aids can mask tinnitus, making it less noticeable. Modern devices often include sound therapy features, providing calming background noises to alleviate discomfort. Additionally, hearing aids improve communication, enhancing speech clarity and social interaction. For effective tinnitus management, consult an audiologist to find a hearing aid that suits your specific needs. READ MORE

[freeabortionslol]

lake house bunny pt2 (jack hughes x reader) ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

summary: bsfs to lovers, angst, pt2 to "lake house bunny", confrontation w/quinn and Adelaide, !THIS FIC IS NOT CANON TO THE LAKE HOUSE SERIES! warnings!! cursing, violence, quinn being an asshole, ADELAIDE GETTING DECKEDDD, not fully proof read a/n: a much requested part two to the lake house bunny :)) thank you for all the suggestions & ideas!! def used some of them here. love y'all <33 wc: 8.2k

Your eyes fluttered lightly at the sound of pitter patter from the hallway. You could hear Cole’s voice through your sleeping state, his loud laugh causing your head to pound. As your body began waking up, you felt the dryness in your throat begging for just a small sip of water. Your eyes cracked open, the dim light in Jack’s room making you wince slightly as your senses slowly came back to life. 

“Does he ever stop?” you muttered groggily, your voice raspy from sleep.

Jack stirred beside you, his arm still draped loosely over your waist. “No,” he mumbled, his voice thick with sleep. “Cole doesn’t have an off switch.” 

You groaned softly, trying to sit up but feeling the weight of Jack’s arm holding you in place. “Jack, I need water,” you said, your voice quiet but insistent. 

He cracked one eye open, giving you a sleepy smirk. “Demanding first thing in the morning, huh?”

You rolled your eyes, nudging him lightly. “I’m dying here, Jacky. Be a gentleman.” 

With a dramatic sigh, Jack shifted to let you go, stretching lazily as he sat up. “Fine. Stay here. I’ll get it for you.” You watched as he got out of bed, his hair sticking up in every direction and his shirt wrinkled from sleep. Despite the pounding in your head, you couldn’t help but smile at how effortlessly endearing he looked. 

“Thanks,” you murmured, pulling the blanket tighter around yourself as he headed out of the room. 

Moments later, Jack returned, a glass of water in one hand and a small bottle of Advil in the other. “Here,” he said, sitting on the edge of the bed and handing them to you. “I figured you might need this too.” 

“You’re a lifesaver,” you said sincerely, popping a couple of pills and downing the water in one go. The cool liquid felt like heaven against your parched throat. 

Jack smiled, moving back to his spot on the bed as he watched you. “Feeling better?” 

“A little,” you admitted, setting the glass on his nightstand. You turned to face him, a soft smile plastered on his face as he stared in admiration. Before you could say another word, Jack leaned in, placing a gentle kiss on your lips. “Gross. We haven’t brushed our teeth.” You smiled, a pink tint running across your face.

Jack rolled his eyes, moving his hand to your jaw to plant another chaste kiss on your lips. “I had to sit back,” He kissed you again. “And watch you prance around this house,” And again. “For fifteen years,” And again. “Without being able to kiss you,” And again. “Give me a break.” He said gently before placing one last kiss on your lips, this one lingering longer. Your breath hitched as Jack’s lips lingered on yours, soft and unhurried, the weight of his words sinking in. His hand remained on your jaw, his thumb gently brushing against your skin as he pulled back just enough to look into your eyes. The vulnerability and adoration in his expression made your heart swell. 

“Fifteen years, huh?” you whispered, your voice tinged with teasing but softened by the emotions swirling inside you. 

Jack chuckled, his hand slipping down to rest on your waist as he leaned his forehead against yours. “Yeah, fifteen years of you driving me insane,” he said with a crooked grin. “And I’d do it all over again.” 

You rolled your eyes playfully, but the warmth in your chest betrayed how much his words meant to you. “You’re such a sap.” 

“And yet, you’re still here,” he shot back with a smirk as he moved his forehead from yours, his confidence growing now that the tension between you had dissolved. 

“Barely,” you joked, nudging him lightly, though your smile gave you away. 

Jack laughed, the sound filling the room and momentarily drowning out the muffled chaos from the hallway. His laughter faded into a softer look, his eyes tracing your features like he was committing them to memory. “You know, you make it really hard to not fall for you more every day,” he murmured, his voice so sincere it sent butterflies fluttering in your stomach. 

You felt your cheeks flush as you wrapped your arms around his neck, pulling him closer. “Good,” you said simply, pressing another kiss to his lips. This one wasn’t rushed or teasing. It was tender and full of all the feelings you hadn’t said aloud yet. Jack sighed contentedly against your lips, his hands settling comfortably on your waist as he pulled you closer. When you finally broke apart, both of you were smiling like idiots, completely wrapped up in each other. 

The moment was interrupted by a loud knock on the door, followed by Trevor’s unmistakable voice. “Hey, lovebirds! Cole says if you’re not downstairs in five, he’s eating all the pancakes!”

Jack groaned, burying his face in the crook of your neck. “Why do we even let him stay here?”

You laughed, running a hand through his messy hair. “Because life would be boring without him.” 

“Debatable,” Jack muttered, pressing one last kiss to your shoulder before reluctantly sitting up. “Alright, Bunny. Let’s do this.” You climbed out of bed with a shared smile, walking hand in hand as you made your way down the stairs. The initial smell of fresh pancakes hit you like a punch to the face as you made your way into the kitchen. Luke was shirtless with an apron around his waist, flipping pancakes as Cole stood next the stove with heart eyes. Trevor sat on the countertop, scrolling through his phone as he waited for breakfast. What you noticed first, and abruptly, was that Quinn sat alone at the kitchen island, Adelaide nowhere to be seen. Quinn’s posture was tense, his eyes fixed on a mug of coffee in front of him. He barely acknowledged the commotion around him, a stark contrast to his usual calm presence. The absence of Adelaide, who usually hovered around him like a shadow, was glaringly obvious. Jack noticed your hesitation, his hand giving yours a reassuring squeeze before he let go to grab a plate. “Let’s eat before Trevor gets to the pancakes and leaves us with scraps,” he said lightly, though his eyes flickered toward Quinn with a subtle concern. 

You nodded, following Jack to the counter but unable to shake the heaviness radiating from Quinn’s direction. You picked up a plate and turned to Luke. “Morning, Chef Extraordinaire. What’s the special today?” 

Luke smirked as he expertly flipped a pancake onto the growing stack. “Chocolate chip pancakes, obviously. You’re welcome.”

“Thank you, Luke,” you said with an exaggerated bow, grabbing a couple of pancakes before sitting down at the island across from Quinn. Jack joined you, his knee brushing against yours as he settled beside you. 

“Morning, Quinn,” you said softly, testing the waters.

Quinn glanced up briefly, his expression unreadable. “Morning.” It wasn’t much, but it was something. You exchanged a quick look with Jack, who gave a slight shrug. The tension in the room was palpable, though Trevor’s oblivious antics at the counter filled some of the awkward silence. 

“So, where’s Adelaide?” Trevor asked suddenly, leaning against the counter with a mischievous grin. “You two finally get sick of each other?” 

The clatter of Quinn’s spoon against his mug made everyone freeze. He exhaled sharply, his jaw tight as he stood up and pushed his chair back. “Not in the mood, Trevor,” he said flatly, walking out of the kitchen without another word. 

Trevor blinked, looking around at the rest of you. “What? Was it something I said?”

Cole groaned, shaking his head. “You’re an idiot, Trevor.”

You pushed your plate aside, standing up to follow Quinn. Jack reached for your hand, stopping you briefly. “Bunny,” he said softly, his concern clear.

“I’ll be fine,” you reassured him, squeezing his hand before heading toward the back porch where Quinn had disappeared. You found him leaning against the railing, his hands gripping the wood tightly as he stared out at the lake. His shoulders were tense, and he didn’t look up when you approached. “Hey,” you said quietly, stepping beside him. “You okay?”

Quinn let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. “Do I look okay?” 

“No,” you admitted, resting your arms on the railing. “But I’m here if you want to talk.”

He stayed silent for a moment, the only sound the soft lapping of the water against the dock. Finally, he spoke, his voice low. “I broke it off with her.”

Your heart clenched at the raw emotion in his tone. “Adelaide?” Quinn nodded, his knuckles whitening as he gripped the railing. You held your breath, not looking at him as you ran through scenarios in your head. “Why?” You croaked out, your voice barely above a whisper. 

He turned to look at you then, his eyes searching yours. “Because of you.” His words hung in the air, heavy and filled with meaning you weren’t sure you were ready to unpack. Your breath hitched as you turned to fully face him, your heart pounding in your chest. Quinn’s gaze didn’t waver, his usual guarded expression replaced with raw vulnerability. 

“Because of me?” you echoed, barely able to believe what you were hearing.

Quinn let out a shaky breath, his hands still gripping the railing like it was the only thing keeping him grounded. “Yeah. Because of you.” He looked away for a moment, staring out at the lake. “I couldn’t keep pretending. Not when every time I was with her, all I could think about was… you.”

Your throat tightened, your emotions a whirlwind of disbelief, hope, and the lingering sting of all the times he’d ignored you, pushed you away, or sent you mixed signals. “Quinn…you can’t just say that,” you whispered, your voice trembling.

He turned back to face you, biting the inside of his cheek. “I-I-I don’t get it.” He said with an uncomfortable laugh. “Bunny, this is what you’ve always wanted-”

“I-I’m with Jack now.” you interrupted loudly, your voice shaking through your words.

Quinn froze, his expression shifting instantly. His brows furrowed, and for a moment, he looked as though he hadn’t heard you correctly. “What?” he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. 

You swallowed hard, your heart pounding in your chest. “I’m with Jack now, Quinn,” you repeated, your voice steadier this time but still tinged with the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside you.

Quinn licked his bottom row of teeth, scoffing before letting out a bitter laugh. “You’re fuckin’ unbelieveable.” 

You froze, anxiety quickly creeping up as his quiet demeanor quickly changed. “Excuse me?” You asked.

Quinn’s bitter laugh hung in the air, his posture shifting as he crossed his arms over his chest. His eyes, usually soft and contemplative, now burned with a mix of anger and hurt. “You heard me,” he said sharply, his voice low but charged. “You’ve spent years pining after me, making it so damn obvious how you felt, and now you’re with Jack? Just like that?” 

Your chest tightened, his words cutting deeper than you expected. “I’m sorry if this feels sudden to you, but you don’t get to talk to me like that, Quinn,” you said, your voice trembling but firm. “You don’t get to act like I owe you something after everything you’ve put me through.” 

“Oh, so now I’m the bad guy?” he shot back, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “You were always there, Bunny, always looking at me like I was the only one who mattered. And yeah, I was an idiot for not seeing it sooner, but Jack? My brother?” 

“Don’t you dare bring him into this,” you snapped, your voice rising despite the lump forming in your throat. “Jack has always been there for me in ways you never were. He’s been the constant in my life and you-” You paused, searching your mind for the words. “You’re just the older brother of the lake house who ruined my teenage years.” 

Quinn hung his head, letting out another chuckle as he looked towards the lake. “Typical Bunny. Always playing the victim.” 

His words hit like a punch to the gut, stealing the air from your lungs. You stared at him, disbelief and anger bubbling inside you. “Playing the victim?” you repeated, your voice trembling with a mix of hurt and fury. “Are you serious right now?” 

Quinn’s eyes flicked to yours, a bitterness in them that you’d never seen before. “Yeah, I’m serious,” he said, his voice sharp. “You act like I was out here deliberately trying to hurt you, like I didn’t care about you at all. But maybe if you’d spoken up instead of waiting for me to figure everything out, we wouldn’t be here.”

Your hands clenched into fists at your sides, the frustration boiling over. “You don’t get to put this on me,” you snapped, your voice rising. “I did speak up, Quinn, in every way I knew how. I tried so hard to get through to you, but all I ever got back were mixed signals and empty words. You made me feel like I wasn’t enough.” 

Quinn flinched, his jaw tightening as he looked away. “That’s not fair.”

“Not fair?” you scoffed, the lump in your throat making it harder to keep your voice steady. “What’s not fair is you stringing me along for years, only to decide you care now that I’ve finally found someone who actually treats me the way I deserve.” 

“Or maybe,” He yelled, causing you to flinch. You stepped back slightly, his frame towering over you. “You were so starved for my attention and I wasn’t giving it to you,” He pointed a finger in your face, causing you to step back further. “So you decided to go for an easier target-”

Quinn was interrupted by the door flinging open, a loud voice following behind. “Nuh uh!” Trevor yelled, quickly stepping in between you and Quinn. “What we're not gonna do, is take our problems out on Bunny!” Trevor’s sudden presence cut through the tension like a knife. He stood firmly between you and Quinn, his normally carefree demeanor replaced by an uncharacteristically protective stance. His eyes, usually brimming with mischief, now glared at Quinn with a fire you hadn’t seen before. 

“Trevor, stay out of this,” Quinn said sharply, his jaw clenched as he tried to step around him. 

Trevor held his ground, planting a hand on Quinn’s chest to stop him. “Nah, I don’t think I will,” he snapped, his voice louder than you’d ever heard it. “You don’t get to yell at Bunny like that just because you’re mad at yourself for screwing up.” 

“Trevor, this has nothing to do with you,” Quinn growled, his voice low and dangerous. 

Trevor scoffed, glancing over his shoulder at you before turning back to Quinn. “It has everything to do with me if you think I’m gonna stand here and watch you blame her for your mistakes.” You watched the two of them, frozen in place as your emotions swirled in a chaotic mess. Trevor’s words hit hard, but the sight of Quinn, still seething and refusing to back down, kept your guard up. 

“She’s not innocent in all this,” Quinn snapped, pointing toward you again. “She played games too, Trevor.” 

Trevor’s laughter was dry, his disbelief clear. “Games? Really? Quinn, you’ve been the MVP of mixed signals since we were teenagers. Bunny didn’t play games. She gave you every damn chance to step up, and you didn’t. That’s on you.” Quinn’s expression faltered, the weight of Trevor’s words seeming to sink in. His gaze flickered to you, and for a brief moment, his anger was replaced by something else. Regret, maybe. But the damage had already been done.

“Trevor, stop,” you said softly, your voice trembling as you stepped forward. “It’s fine.”

Trevor turned to you, his expression softening. “It’s not fine, Bunny,” he said firmly. “You don’t deserve to be treated like this.”

“Bunny!” You heard a loud whisper coming from the door, turning around to see Cole. He had a nervous expression on his face as his head peeked out from inside the house. “C’mere,” He said, gesturing for you to come inside. You glanced at Trevor who’s glare was centered on Quinn, then at Quinn who was sending you a soft look as if to say ‘You put me in this position. Are you happy?’. You blinked twice, weighing your options before ultimately deciding to go inside. You walked to the door, letting Cole open it all the way before stepping inside. “Let Trevor handle this one.” He whispered just before closing the door behind you. The soft click of the door closing behind you felt like a barrier, shutting out the tension and chaos of the confrontation outside. Your hands trembled slightly as you wrapped your arms around yourself, taking a deep breath to steady your nerves. Cole’s steady presence beside you was grounding, and you were grateful for the quiet space he had created. Silently, the two of you made your way back to the kitchen, stopping in your tracks when Jack and Luke looked up. 

“You okay?” Jack asked with a light chuckle, cutting into another pancake with his fork. 

Luke looked up from his plate, his mouth still full. “Yeah, you look like you just saw a ghost.” 

You glanced between the two of them, smiles still plastered across their faces. “Y-Yeah. I-I’m um…I’m alright.” You trembled out, trying to grace them with a half smile. Jack immediately picked up on the tremor in your voice, his carefree expression fading into concern. 

He set down his fork, leaning forward slightly. “Bunny, what happened?” he asked, his tone soft but serious. 

Luke swallowed his mouthful of pancake, his eyebrows knitting together as he looked at you. “Wait, what’s going on? You don’t look alright.” You glanced at Cole, who gave you a reassuring nod as if to say it’s okay to tell them. Taking a deep breath, you stepped further into the kitchen, your arms still crossed tightly over your chest. 

“It’s nothing, really,” you started, your voice faltering under Jack’s intense gaze. “Just… Quinn and I had a bit of an argument.” 

Jack’s jaw tightened slightly at the mention of his brother, and he stood up, walking over to you. His hand found your arm, his thumb brushing soothing circles against your skin. “What kind of argument?” he asked, his voice calm but firm. 

You hesitated, not wanting to add fuel to the fire. “It’s fine, Jack. Trevor’s talking to him now. I just…I didn’t want to stay out there-” 

“Hope you’re happy, Bunny.” You heard a female voice coming from behind you, mocking your nickname with an annoying tone. You closed your eyes, knowing exactly who it was. You let out a harsh sigh before turning around, catching sight of Adelaide holding her bag. Her once polished look had now formed into mascara stained cheeks and tired eyes. 

You let out a bitter laugh, your tenseness from the argument with Quinn quickly fading as you stood in front of Adelaide, remembering every piece of what she put you through. “Thought your ‘nice girl’ act would hold up longer?” 

“Fuck you.” She said harshly, cutting off your speech. Low groans emerged from Luke, Cole, and Jack as you stepped closer to her. 

You shook your head, biting the inside of your cheek. “You don’t get to be mad at me.” You said quietly, your tone laced with a slight aggression. “No. You threw backhanded compliments at me, you violated my privacy by posting that photo, and then you deliberately tried to make Jack and I uncomfortable during your little ‘truth or dare’ bit.”

Adelaide’s face twisted in anger, her grip tightening on the strap of her bag as she stepped closer to you. “Oh, I made you uncomfortable?” she spat, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “That’s rich coming from someone who’s been pining after one brother while playing house with the other.” 

Jack immediately stepped forward, his posture protective as he placed himself slightly in front of you. “Enough, Adelaide,” he said firmly, his voice low and steady. “You’ve done enough damage. Just go.”

Adelaide ignored him, her eyes laser-focused on you. “You think you’re so perfect, don’t you?” she sneered. “Everyone here fawns over you like you’re some kind of saint, but you’re just as messy as the rest of us.” 

You let out a dry laugh, your frustration boiling over. “Messy? Sure, I’ll own that. But at least I don’t pretend to be something I’m not. You walked into this house acting like you were better than everyone, but guess what? You’re not.” 

Adelaide’s eyes glistened with unshed tears, her composure unraveling with every word. “At least I’m honest about who I am,” she shot back, her voice trembling. “You’ve been stringing both Quinn and Jack along, and you’re too much of a coward to admit it.” Jack’s hand tensed at his side, but he stayed quiet, his eyes flickering to you to gauge your reaction. Luke and Cole exchanged nervous glances, clearly unsure whether to intervene or let the argument play out.

“I’m not stringing anyone along,” you said sharply, stepping around Jack to face Adelaide head-on. “I made my choice. And for the record? Jack doesn’t need you fighting his battles or defending him with your petty games. He’s better than that. He’s better than you.” 

Adelaide’s lips parted as if she wanted to respond, but no words came out. Instead, she let out a bitter laugh, her voice cracking. “You really think you’re better than me, don’t you?” She took a step back, her shoulders slumping slightly. “Fine, guess we’ll just have to wait until you go running back to Quinn.”

You scoffed, rolling your eyes. “I’m not going back and forth with you like this.” You said as you turned your back, walking towards the table. 

“Just the communal lake house slut.” Adelaide let out, emphasizing the T. You stopped in your tracks, still facing the table. Your arms crossed as you shut your eyes hard, your nails digging into your skin like you were really trying to hold back. You opened one eye, catching a glance of Luke who had wide eyes, mouth open as he shook his head at you. You shut your eyes again, your mind clouded with pure anger towards this girl. You let out a deep breath, letting your arms hang to your side as you looked back over at a scared Luke, whose head was now shaking in faster motions. He moved his hand from left to right up by his neck to say ‘no no no stop stop stop’. 

You glanced over to Cole whose mouth was parted, trying to find words, any word at this point. You sent him a sheepish smile, shrugging your shoulders before whipping your body around to face Adelaide in one swift motion. “Bunny, wait-” Cole started, but he was quickly cut off by you sending a hard, clean jab to Adelaide’s face. The sound of your fist connecting with her jaw was sharper, heavier than a slap, and the entire room froze as she stumbled back, clutching her face. Her wide eyes stared at you in shock and fury, her composure completely obliterated. 

“Holy shit.” Luke said, letting out the breath he’d been holding. 

You were breathless, shaking your hand to relieve the pain. “That felt incredible.” You whispered out, gasping for another breath. 

“YES!” Trevor shouted as he stood in the kitchen entryway, Quinn nowhere to be seen. “FINALLY!”

Adelaide staggered, her hand still pressed to her face as she turned back to glare at you. “Are you insane?” she shouted, her voice trembling with anger. “You punched me!” The room was thick with tension as Adelaide’s shout echoed through the space. Your chest rose and fell as you caught your breath, the adrenaline coursing through your veins making your skin tingle. Despite the sting in your knuckles, you felt a strange sense of satisfaction. 

“Yeah, I punched you,” you said calmly, your voice low but steady. “And I’d do it again if you ever speak to me like that again.” 

Adelaide’s mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water, her brain clearly struggling to process what had just happened. “You’re crazy!” she finally managed to screech, her voice cracking with disbelief. 

“No, I’m just done,” you shot back, straightening your posture as you met her glare head-on. “Done with you thinking you can walk all over everyone and face no consequences.” 

Luke let out a nervous laugh, breaking the silence that followed. “Well, that’s one way to shut someone up.”

“Luke,” Jack snapped, his voice sharp as he shot his brother a warning look. Then he turned to you, his concern overtaking his frustration. “Bunny, let me see your hand.” You held out your hand reluctantly, wincing slightly as Jack gently took it in his. His thumb brushed over your knuckles, his expression a mix of worry and admiration. “You’re lucky it’s not broken,” he muttered, shaking his head. “You’ve got a hell of a right hook.” 

Adelaide’s face twisted with rage, her hand still cradling her jaw. “You’re just going to let her get away with this?” she hissed, glaring at Jack. “She hit me.” 

Jack let out a humorless laugh, releasing your hand as he stepped closer to her. “You deserved it,” he said plainly, his voice cold.

Adelaide stumbled back a step, her anger faltering as she realized no one in the room was on her side. “You’re all insane,” she muttered, clutching her bag tightly as she looked between you and Jack. “This whole house is toxic.” 

“Then maybe you should leave,” Cole piped up from his spot by the counter, his tone casual but firm. “Seems like you’re not really vibing with the group.” 

Adelaide’s glare turned icy as her gaze darted to Cole, her lips trembling with barely-contained rage. “You’re all pathetic,” she spat, her voice shaking. “You think this is funny? You think any of you are worth anything without Quinn? You’re just a bunch of losers clinging to each other because no one else will have you.” 

Trevor let out a sharp laugh, stepping forward with his arms crossed. “Oh, sweetie, you’ve clearly got us confused with yourself. We’re not clinging to anything. You’re the one who’s been desperately trying to keep up.” 

Adelaide’s jaw dropped, but before she could fire back, you raised a hand, cutting her off. “Save it,” you said, your voice calm but cutting. “Whatever you think you’re accomplishing here, it’s not working. No one cares about your opinion, and no one wants you here.” 

Jack nodded, his expression unreadable but his tone firm. “Bunny’s right. You’ve overstayed your welcome. It’s time for you to leave.”

Adelaide’s face twisted, her eyes darting around the room as if looking for an ally. When she found none, she scoffed loudly, grabbing her bag with shaking hands. “Fine. I’ll go,” she snapped, her voice venomous. “But don’t come crying to me when this whole pathetic house implodes. You’re all toxic, and you deserve each other.” 

“Cool,” Luke said casually, popping a piece of pancake into his mouth. “Bye, then.” Adelaide let out a frustrated growl, spinning on her heel and storming toward the door. As the door slammed shut behind her, the room was plunged into silence for a moment before Trevor clapped his hands together. 

“Well, that was satisfying,” he said with a grin, looking over at you. “Bunny, I think you might be my new hero.” 

You let out a shaky laugh, the tension in your chest finally beginning to ease. “I don’t know about hero, but I’m definitely not sorry.”

Cole smirked, walking over to the fridge. “You shouldn’t be. That was the most entertaining thing that’s happened all summer.” 

Jack shook his head, his expression softening as he turned back to you. “Let’s get some ice on your hand before it swells,” he said gently, taking your hand in his again. 

As Jack led you to the freezer, Luke leaned back in his chair with a satisfied sigh. “Honestly, I’m just glad she’s gone. That was exhausting.” 

Trevor nodded, grabbing a glass from the counter. “Here’s to Bunny, the official savior of the lake house.” The boys raised their glasses dramatically, their laughter echoing through the room as the tension finally dissolved. And as you sat at the table with Jack carefully tending to your hand, you couldn’t help but smile.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

The rest of the day was quiet, almost eerily so. For you, Jack, Cole, Trevor, and Luke, it felt like a collective exhale, as though a suffocating weight had finally been lifted. With Adelaide gone, the house returned to something resembling its old, carefree self. The laughter and banter that had been stifled by tension over the past few days slowly began to resurface. Luke challenged Cole to a series of card games at the kitchen table, Trevor’s loud commentary making the entire thing feel like an over-dramatized sporting event. Jack stayed close to you on the couch, his arm draped comfortably over your shoulders as you both half-watched a rerun of an old sitcom playing on the TV. The atmosphere was lighter, like the house was finally able to breathe again. But Quinn’s absence was impossible to ignore. The five of you had watched in tense silence as he stormed into the house earlier, his face dark with frustration. He hadn’t said a word, just stomped up the stairs and disappeared into his bedroom, the door slamming shut behind him. That was hours ago, and he hadn’t come down since. Not for food, not for water, not even to yell at Trevor for being obnoxiously loud. It was like he’d disappeared entirely. As the sun began to set, Trevor ordered pizza for the whole group. When it arrived, Jack sent Luke to run Quinn a slice upstairs. Luke returned, a sort of depressed look on his face as he told you Quinn wouldn’t even speak to him. The group decided to collectively ignore it, seeing as Quinn brought this situation on himself, and Trevor was the first to say “We won’t let him ruin our fun.” As the evening went on, the laughter grew louder, the tension that had plagued the house fading further into the background. It wasn’t perfect, there was still an unspoken weight hanging in the air whenever someone glanced toward the stairs, but it was enough. Enough to remind you all that, even in the face of conflict and unresolved emotions, this was your safe place. Your people. As the hours stretched into the evening and the sky turned a deep navy dotted with stars, the group gravitated toward the backyard. The air was cool and refreshing, carrying the faint scent of pine and lake water. Luke took charge of building the bonfire, his face illuminated by the glow of the matches as he carefully arranged the kindling. 

“Alright, people,” he announced, brushing his hands off on his shorts. “Prepare to witness the greatest bonfire this lake house has ever seen.” 

Trevor rolled his eyes, crossing his arms as he leaned against one of the Adirondack chairs. “You say that every year, and every year, it’s fine at best.” 

Luke shot him a mock glare, carefully lighting the fire. “One day, you’ll appreciate my skills, Trevor. Today is not that day.” 

Jack laughed as he dropped onto one of the chairs, pulling you down to sit on his lap. His hands held you by your waist, the warmth of his touch a perfect contrast to the crisp night air. “It’s fine, Luke. Just get the fire going so Trevor doesn’t complain himself into oblivion.”

Trevor snorted, slumping into the chair beside Cole. “If this fire is anything like Luke’s cooking, we’re screwed.” 

“Hey!” Luke shot him a mock-offended look, carefully fanning the growing flame. “This fire is going to be legendary, and you’ll be eating your words.”

Jack chuckled, his hands tightening slightly around your waist as you leaned back against his chest. “Don’t listen to him, Luke. It’s already better than last year’s. Pretty sure you almost burned the dock down then.” As the fire roared brighter, the group fell into an easy rhythm. Trevor handed out marshmallow sticks with a theatrical flourish, Luke carefully constructed the perfect s’more, and Cole spent more time eating the chocolate than assembling anything. Jack’s hands never left your waist, his steady touch grounding you as the laughter and lightness swirled around. You leaned into Jack, the sound of his quiet laughter vibrating against your shoulder as he teased Trevor about his unevenly toasted marshmallow. The warmth of the fire, combined with the easy camaraderie of the group, made the heaviness of the day feel like a distant memory. 

“This is what the lake house is supposed to be,” you murmured, your voice soft enough that only Jack could hear. 

He turned to look at you, his expression gentle as the firelight danced in his eyes. “Yeah,” he agreed, his voice just as quiet. “It feels right again.” He leaned in, placing a quick, gentle kiss on your lips. The kiss was soft and fleeting, but it sent warmth spreading through you that rivaled the fire crackling in front of you. Jack pulled back just enough to meet your gaze, his hand brushing a strand of hair from your face. “You good, Bunny?” he asked softly, his voice low enough that only you could hear. 

You nodded, a small smile tugging at your lips. “I’m good,” you replied, leaning your head against his chest. “This feels… perfect.” 

“Hold on a second,” Luke started, his loud voice cutting through the laughs and chatter. “Did you just…kiss her?!”

Jack let out a soft chuckle, looking at you then back to Luke. “Uh…yeah? Why?”

“Oh my god.” Cole said, his tone humorous. “No one told Luke.”

Luke’s jaw dropped, his wide eyes darting between you and Jack as if he couldn’t believe what he’d just witnessed. “Wait, wait, wait,” he said, holding up his hands like he was trying to stop time. “You two are… like, together together?”

Jack raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by his younger brother’s reaction. “Yeah, Luke. Together together,” he said with a small smirk, his arm tightening slightly around your waist. “Is that a problem?”

Luke looked genuinely flabbergasted, his mouth opening and closing like he was trying to find the right words. “I mean, no, but- when did this happen? Why didn’t anyone tell me?”

“Last night,” You said, fighting your giggles. “Remember? Seven minutes in heaven?”

Luke’s face turned beet red as realization hit him like a truck. His mouth opened and closed a few more times before he finally managed, “Wait. That actually happened? I thought you guys were joking!” 

Cole smirked, leaning back in his chair with his hands behind his head. “I mean, Luke, it was pretty obvious. Did you think they just played rock-paper-scissors in the closet?” 

Luke threw his hands in the air, looking around at the group in disbelief. “I don’t know! I just thought…maybe they…talked or something.”

“Don’t know exactly what happened in that closet, but by the looks of it, there wasn’t a whole lot of talking going on.” Trevor chimed in with a big grin on his face.

“Trevor!” you exclaimed, your cheeks heating instantly as the group erupted into laughter. You buried your face in your hands, groaning. “You’re the worst.”

Jack, ever unbothered, just chuckled, one arm still snug around your waist. “You’re not wrong, Trev,” he said with a smirk, earning a playful smack on the shoulder from you. “But you could tone it down a little, you know?”

Luke let out a long, exaggerated groan, dragging a hand down his face. “This is officially the worst day of my life.”

The group’s laughter echoed into the night, blending with the occasional crackle and pop of the fire. You watched the flames dance, feeling the stress and tension of the past few days melt away. Jack’s steady presence grounded you, and the lighthearted banter reminded you why this place, and these people, felt like home. The hours passed easily, the fire casting a warm glow over everyone as the sky grew darker and the stars brighter. For the first time in what felt like forever, everything felt simple, easy, and right. You felt yourself start to drift off into sleep against Jack’s chest as the night carried on, the playful conversations beginning to blend into dreams as your eyes fluttered shut. Jack’s hand rested lightly on your back, his thumb drawing slow, soothing circles as he felt you relax against him. The warmth of the fire and the soft hum of conversation wrapped around you like a blanket, lulling you closer to sleep.  

Jack chuckled softly, his breath warm against your hair. “Bunny?” he whispered, his voice low and tender. “You falling asleep on me?” You mumbled something incoherent, snuggling closer into his chest. The sound of his heartbeat beneath your ear was steady, comforting, and it pulled you further into the haze of sleep. Jack’s quiet laugh vibrated through you, and you felt the faintest press of his lips against your temple. “I’ll take that as a yes,” he murmured, his voice barely audible over the crackle of the fire. 

Trevor noticed, of course. “Oh, look at that,” he said, pointing dramatically with his marshmallow stick. “Bunny’s out for the count. Jack, you better not let her snore.” 

“I don’t snore,” you mumbled sleepily, eyes still closed. Your protest only made the group laugh harder. 

Cole grinned, leaning forward to add another log to the fire. “Sure you don’t, Bunny. Sure you don’t.” 

Jack shifted slightly, adjusting his hold on you to make sure you were comfortable. “Alright, guys,” he said, his tone light but protective. “Let her sleep. She’s had a long day.” 

Trevor smirked but raised his hands in mock surrender. “Fine, fine. We’ll let Sleeping Bunny lie.” 

The fire crackled softly, its glow beginning to fade as the night deepened. The group’s laughter had dwindled, replaced by a companionable quiet as exhaustion began to settle over everyone. Jack glanced down at you, your head tucked against his chest, your breathing slow and even as you slept. A soft smile tugged at his lips. 

“She’s out,” Jack murmured, his voice low so as not to disturb you. 

Trevor, who was half-asleep in his chair, smirked lazily. “Yeah, we noticed, lover boy. Don’t drop her on the way upstairs.”

Jack rolled his eyes, carefully shifting you in his arms as he prepared to stand. “Goodnight, Trev. Try not to burn anything down on your way to bed.” 

Cole gave Jack a mock salute as he stretched and stood. “Good luck getting her to let go of you. She looks pretty comfortable.” Jack chuckled softly, wrapping his arms around you securely as he stood, lifting you effortlessly. You stirred slightly but didn’t wake, your face nuzzling against his chest as you mumbled something incoherent. Jack’s grin widened as he glanced at Luke, who was watching with an amused expression. 

“Don’t worry, Luke,” Jack teased. “You can carry Trevor upstairs if you’re feeling left out.” 

Luke groaned, throwing a marshmallow at Jack, who dodged it with ease. “Just go to bed already, you showoff.” Jack shook his head, his smile lingering as he turned toward the house. The cool night air brushed against his skin as he carried you inside, the soft creak of the wooden floors the only sound accompanying him. The glow of the fire faded behind him as he ascended the stairs, careful not to jostle you too much. When he reached his room, Jack nudged the door open with his foot and stepped inside. The moonlight streaming through the window bathed the space in a soft, silvery glow. He carefully lowered you onto the bed, taking his time to make sure you were comfortable. You shifted slightly, your eyes fluttering open for just a moment. 

“Jack?” you murmured sleepily, your voice barely above a whisper. 

“Yeah, Bunny,” he said softly, brushing a strand of hair from your face. “I’m here. Go back to sleep.” You gave him a faint smile, your eyes drifting shut again as you nestled into the pillow. Jack pulled the blanket up over you, tucking it around your shoulders before sitting on the edge of the bed. He watched you for a moment, the peaceful rise and fall of your chest, the way your lips curved faintly even in sleep. His heart swelled with a quiet contentment. He stood, crossing the room to change into something more comfortable before slipping into bed beside you. You instinctively shifted closer, your hand finding his as you murmured something unintelligible. Jack smiled, his fingers lacing with yours as he settled in. Just as he was about to pull you closer, let himself drift off to sleep, he heard a knock at the door. Jack froze, his fingers still laced with yours as his eyes darted toward the door. The knock was soft but deliberate, cutting through the otherwise silent room. He glanced at you, your breathing still even, completely unaware of the disturbance. Carefully, he slipped his hand out of yours and sat up, making his way toward the door as quietly as possible. When he opened it, he found Quinn standing there, his expression tense and shadowed in the dim hallway light. Jack blinked, surprised to see him up and about after he’d stayed locked in his room all evening. 

“Quinn,” Jack whispered, his tone cautious but curious. “What’s up? Everything okay?”

Quinn hesitated, his jaw tightening as he glanced past Jack into the room. His gaze lingered on your sleeping form for a brief moment before he looked back at Jack. “I need to talk to Bunny,” he said, his voice low but firm. 

Jack crossed his arms, huffing out his breath. “She’s asleep.” 

Quinn shifted uncomfortably, his eyes darting back to Jack. “I know,” he admitted, his voice strained. “But I need to talk to her, Jack. It’s important.” 

Jack’s jaw tightened, and he stepped further into the doorway, his body language protective. “Quinn, it’s the middle of the night. Whatever it is, it can wait.” 

Quinn looked conflicted, running a hand through his hair as he let out a frustrated sigh. “I don’t think it can,” he said quietly. “I need to clear the air with her.”

“Jack?” You mumbled, opening your eyes slightly. 

Jack let out a heavy sigh, turning to face you. “Go back to sleep.” He said, his tone laced with a slight sternness. 

“Jack,” Quinn whispered with pleading eyes, hoping to get at least an ounce of understandment from his brother. 

Jack licked his lips, rolling his eyes as he slowly turned to face Quinn again. “Quinn wants to talk to you.” You blinked groggily, sitting up slightly as your eyes adjusted to the dim light filtering in from the hallway. Jack stood in the doorway, his frame tense, with Quinn just behind him, looking every bit as conflicted as his voice had sounded.

“To me?” you murmured, your voice still thick with sleep. You rubbed your eyes, trying to process what was happening.

Jack hesitated, glancing back at you before turning to Quinn with a look that said You better not screw this up. “Yeah,” Jack said softly, his voice reluctant. “He says it’s important.” 

You sat up fully, pulling the blanket tighter around your shoulders as you gave Quinn a cautious look. “What’s going on?” 

Quinn stepped forward, his hands shoved into the pockets of his hoodie as his eyes flicked between you and Jack. “I just…I need to say some things,” he said, his voice quiet but steady. “Stuff I should’ve said a long time ago.” 

​​Jack’s jaw tightened, his protective instincts kicking in as he looked back at you. “You don’t have to do this now,” he said gently. “You’re tired, Bunny. It can wait.” 

But you shook your head, your curiosity and concern overriding your exhaustion. “It’s okay,” you said softly, meeting Jack’s gaze. “If it’s that important, I’ll hear him out.” 

Jack’s shoulders sagged slightly, his lips pressing into a thin line as he stepped aside, giving Quinn room to enter. “Fine,” he muttered, his tone begrudging. “But I’m staying.” Quinn nodded, clearly not surprised by Jack’s insistence. He stepped into the room, his movements hesitant as he leaned against the wall near the door, keeping a respectful distance. You shifted to face him, your heart pounding in your chest as you waited for him to speak. The silence stretched for a moment before he finally took a deep breath and started.

“I’ve been an ass,” Quinn admitted, his voice raw. “To you. To Jack. To everyone, really. And I know I don’t have a right to ask for anything after the way I’ve acted.” 

You tilted your head slightly, your expression softening despite the weight of his words. “Quinn-” 

“Let me finish,” he interrupted gently, holding up a hand. “I’ve been holding onto feelings I didn’t know how to deal with. And instead of being honest or doing the right thing, I took it out on you. I was selfish, and I hurt you.” Your breath caught in your throat as his words hit home. Jack’s hand found your shoulder, grounding you as you listened. “I don’t want to mess things up for you two,” Quinn continued, his gaze flickering to Jack before returning to you. “But I needed you to know that I care. That I always cared. Even if I was too much of a coward to show it.” The room was silent for a beat, the weight of his confession hanging in the air. You swallowed hard, your emotions a mix of empathy, frustration, and a touch of sadness. 

“Quinn,” you said softly, your voice steady despite the tightness in your chest. “I appreciate you telling me this. I really do. But you need to let this go. For your sake, and for mine.” 

Quinn nodded slowly, his eyes filled with a quiet resignation. “I know,” he said simply, his voice barely above a whisper. “I just…I needed to say it.” Quinn gave a faint nod, pushing off the wall as he straightened. “Yeah…” he said, his tone weary. He turned toward the door, pausing just long enough to glance back at you. “Goodnight,” he said softly, before slipping out into the hallway and quietly closing the door behind him. 

The room was quiet again, the air heavy with unspoken emotions. Jack sat on the edge of the bed, his hand still resting on your shoulder as he studied your face. “You okay?” he asked gently. 

You nodded, exhaling slowly as you leaned into his touch. “Yeah,” you murmured. “I’m just really glad I have you.” 

Jack pulled you into his arms, pressing a kiss to your temple. “I’m glad I have you too.” he whispered, his voice steady and reassuring. Jack held you close for a moment longer, his fingers brushing gently against your back. The steady rhythm of his breathing began to soothe the lingering tension from Quinn’s visit. Finally, he leaned back slightly, tilting your chin up so he could look into your eyes. 

“You ready to go back to sleep?” he asked softly, his voice filled with warmth.

You nodded, letting out a small sigh as the exhaustion from the day began to creep back in. “Yeah,” you murmured. “I think I need it.” Jack stood, pulling back the blanket as he helped you settle back into the bed. Once you were comfortable, he climbed in beside you, slipping an arm around your waist as he pulled you close. His warmth was comforting, and the soft scent of his cologne lingered as you rested your head against his chest. 

“You okay?” Jack asked again, his voice quieter now, like he was speaking just to you and no one else in the world. 

You nodded against him, your fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns on the fabric of his shirt. “Yeah,” you whispered. “I just wasn’t expecting all of that today.” 

He kissed the top of your head, his hand rubbing slow, soothing circles on your back. “I wasn’t either,” he admitted. “But it’s done now. You don’t have to carry that anymore.” 

His words settled over you like a balm, and you felt the last bit of tension slip away. “Thank you, Jack,” you murmured, your voice barely above a whisper.

“For what?” he asked, his tone gentle.

“For being here,” you said simply, your eyes growing heavier by the second. “For always being here.”

Jack’s lips brushed against your hair again, and he tightened his hold on you. “Always,” he promised, his voice firm but tender. “Now get some rest, Bunny.” You smiled faintly, your eyes finally closing as his steady heartbeat lulled you into a peaceful sleep. Jack stayed awake for a little while longer, his fingers idly tracing patterns on your back as he stared at the ceiling, his thoughts quiet but content. Eventually, he allowed his eyes to close, his body relaxing fully as he drifted off. And as the lake house settled into the quiet stillness of the night, the world outside faded away, leaving just the two of you wrapped in warmth and each other’s presence. For the first time in days, everything felt calm, easy, and right.