#i invited my parents over to have dinner since my roommate isn't home

[cryolyst]

~

[undeadgoathead]

I think that this is the first year EVER that I'm genuinely not interested in participating in Thanksgiving at all. Not necessarily in a bad way. Of course I'm grateful to simply have the day off of work, especially since I partied pretty hard at the concert last night. I just want to rest, relax and recharge. I don't feel like doing anything special or important today. But in the past, even when I was a stereotypical bratty teenager rebelling against family traditions, pouting at the table and making snarky comments about capitalism and colonialism and meat consumption, at least I showed up! (Granted, my poor long-suffering parents had to practically drag me by the ear, but still!)

Even if it was in a sarcastic or ironic way, I always did SOMETHING for the holidays. Even when I was struggling, I'd still invite friends over for stovetop stuffing and instant mashed potatoes and powdered gravy from a packet. Hell, one year, all I had to offer was cheap processed turkey TV dinners, and the Puppybowl on TV, but hey, at least my people still came over. Some thanksgivings were struggle meals, but other years were extravagant banquets of abundance!  In fact, one year I went with my bestie to Texhoma to eat THREE different Thanksgiving feasts with her extended family! Another year I roasted Cornish hens for my roommates. One thanksgiving , I ditched the poultry entirely, and made spicy seafood paella instead. But most of the time, I would spend Thanksgiving with my family, usually going to an aunt's or cousin's house. The past 6 years were exclusively spent with my (now ex) boyfriend Josh and his family, and we had a little tradition of cooking the turkey together and spending the whole entire day with his family, so that lost relationship really stings particularly painfully. Especially since Josh and I first met each other when we had our first date near the end of November, and we always celebrated our "anniversary" around this time, so this time of year always reminds me of him... The last thing on my mind right now is overindulging in rich heavy food, when my stomach feels sour and I kinda feel like I want to puke... Ugh.

Every holiday special ever has the same exact plot. "Oh no! Our perfect thanksgiving dinner is ruined because we forgot an ingredient or burnt the turkey or lost whatever macguffin! But now we learned a heartfelt lesson, that the holidays are actually all about strong community values!" That's kind of what today feels like. Who cares about a stupid bird in the oven, or painfully awkward social gatherings, or keeping up appearances. Gratitude isn't always an ostentatious display of gushing about how much I supposedly appreciate everything (even when I clearly don't, as I'm obviously consumed by resentment and ruminating in my own bitterness at the moment). Right now my gratitude is just the quiet, introverted, and bittersweet hope that maybe better days might be on the horizon...

As easy as it would be to wallow in self pity and isolation, I'm going to at least visit with my mom later today. Nothing heals a crappy mood quite like a mother's home cooked meal. Again, the holidays are never perfect, but there's always SOMETHING, anything, that's better than nothing. Whether it's a plate of Mom's leftovers, or a microwave TV dinner, or a roasted Cornish hen, or big bowl of Spanish paella. It may not be much, but there's usually something small and sweet to appreciate within the confines of this cruel, chaotic world. And that alone is reason enough to celebrate.

[the-writer-nerd-ro]

It's time for Sphere Game Night! There's a chance that this one is more about Maddox than it's about Sphere but Sara and Hunter are there!

This is a follow-up to "The girls couldn't afford a beach episode so we're going to the lake"

The Game Is Afoot

Hard Shell: what did you do

Lemonhead: ???

Hard Shell: dont act innocent i know you keep trying to set Marian up with people

Lemonhead: Yeah? So?

Hard Shell: he invited a girl to game night

Lemonhead: Petunia?

Hard Shell: i knew you had something to do with it

Hunter wasn't sure what to make of Maddox's accusatory tone (could you have an accusatory tone over text?), so she chose not to respond, instead turning towards Sara who was doing her makeup before they left.

“Petunia is coming to game night.”

“Oh, fun! Did you invite her?”

“No, Marian did.”

Sara grinned conspiratorially, “Oooh, so the game is afoot.”

“Maddox seems kind of upset that she's coming. Marian's never invited anyone to game night.”

“She wasn't upset when I started coming to game night,” Sara pointed out.

“She's a little protective of Marian. She's never met Petunia so as far as she knows Petunia is just another girl who isn't good enough for her brother.”

“Huh.” Sara seemed a little lost in thought, but it was May and Hunter didn't have all the pieces of the puzzle yet, so she didn’t think much of it.

“Well, if anyone is going to prove Maddox wrong it's Petunia.”

“The only person who can prove Maddox wrong is Maddox.”

“Hm. Well then that will make tonight even more interesting.”

“Interesting is definitely one word for it.”

Hunter wasn't too worried though, Maddox reveled in getting under Hunter's skin but she was generally nice to strangers. Even strangers she was silently judging.

Petunia swung by and picked Hunter and Sara up, so they arrived together. Surprisingly, Maddox hadn't arrived yet. Hunter had fully expected her to be staking out the place.

She was also surprised that Petunia seemed super familiar with Marian's house. She'd known that Petunia had been here after the lake trip, she wasn't sure if there was anything else she was missing.

Batman normally didn't warm up to visitors after only one visit, but the beastly little cat was all over Petunia the second she stepped inside.

“Where's Maddox?” Hunter asked.

Marian sighed deeply. “She's picking up her plus one.”

“What?”

“Apparently she thinks that since you and are both bringing guests she should get to bring someone too. Doesn't matter to me, she's buying dinner.”

That was the deal, whoever hosted bought dinner. But Maddox still lived with her parents and Morgan lived with five other roommates so they both “hosted” at Marian's place. It had been a fun time back when Hunter had lived above the funeral home and they'd had game night in the employee break room.

“Who is she bringing?” Hunter asked, with growing curiosity and a little tiny twinge of dread.

“Some guy. Morgan, what's his name?”

“Tristan.”

“Is he her boyfriend?” Sara asked.

Morgan shrugged.

“Honestly, you know as much as I do. He’s on her debate team, I met him like one time.”

“Interesting…” Hunter mused. She doubted that Tristan was a boyfriend, Maddox was pretty private about her relationships, but the message was clear. This was a protest.

Morgan, however, was not protesting. Morgan was immediately very enthusiastic about meeting Petunia, and after a minute or two of small talk she began grilling her about the meanings behind different flowers.

“For my flower shop AU,” she explained, which didn't explain anything.

While Petunia was interrogated, Hunter pulled Marian into another room and did some grilling of her own.

“So, what made you decide to invite Petunia?”

“I had a lot of fun with her at the lake, I thought it would be nice to hang out again.”

“And?”

“And what?”

Hunter gave him a look.

“Don't play dumb with me, Marian.”

Marian blushed and lowered his voice. “Fine, and she's cute, okay? But I don't think she likes me like that so be cool about it, okay?”

“Nobody is cooler than me.”

Marian gave her a look.

“Okay, Sara is cooler than me. But don't worry, I won't say anything.”

“Yeah, you're not really the one I'm worried about,” Marian said with a sigh.

“I'll make sure Maddox doesn't pull anything,” Hunter promised. “What are we playing tonight?

“Something for seven people, I guess.”

Just then, the doorbell rang, Batman racing through the house to yowl at whoever had disturbed his peace. He was confused to see Maddox, who he loved, with some stranger he'd never seen before.

Maddox had put her boy friend to work, making him carry the pizzas.

“Hey, guys, this is Tristan, he's cool. Whenever we go on debate trips he always brings the cards, so I thought he might enjoy game night.”

Maddox was being suspiciously chill.

“Cool, nice to meet you Tristan. I'm Marian, this is Petunia, that's our cousin Hunter and her girlfriend Sara, and I heard you've already met Morgan.”

“Good to see you again, Morgan. And it's nice to meet all of you as well, I'm happy to be here.” He seemed very mellow, which might have been why Maddox appeared so laid back right now.

“This is my first game night too,” Petunia said.

“Madds said I wasn't the only newbie. We'll have to have each other's backs.”

“Deal,” Petunia said, holding out her hand for a handshake.

“Hey! I'm pretty new, too,” Sara protested, wanting in on the handshake.

“Nuh-uh, you have a nickname and everything,” Maddox said.

“Yeah, once you wipe the floor with us in Uno you stop being new,” Marian agreed.

“I'll have your back,” Hunter promised, taking Sara's hand and squeezing it.

“Thanks, Hun.”

Maddox took the pizza from Tristan and set it on the table. “Let's eat.”

That settled that, and soon they were all crowded around the table. Petunia ended up squeezed right between Marian and Maddox. Hunter kept a wary eye on the situation.

If Petunia knew she was on trial she didn't show it, laughing at most of Marian's jokes and continuing the floral discussions with Morgan. Maddox stayed quiet, tallying up each interaction like she was keeping score. Occasionally she said something in a hushed tone to Tristan, who would nod or laugh but never weighed in.

Tristan was also being cross-examined, but he came from a debate and mock trial background so he was used to that.

“You and Maddox know each other from debate?” Marian asked.

“Yeah, Madds is the best captain I've ever had.”

“Do you get to hang out much outside of debate?”

Maddox frowned at her brother, perfectly understanding this line of questioning.

“No, usually just for debate. Oh, we went bowling a while ago with Logan and Alex, that was fun. And sometimes when our schedules sync up we go off campus for lunch.”

That just sounded like normal high school stuff, nothing particularly romantic.

“Are you going to college here or are you going out of state?” That was the real make or break question, even if Tristan and Maddox were dating now, if he went out of state it would pretty much be over.

“I think I'm going to take a gap year, do some backpacking, decide who I want to become.”

“I didn't go to college,” Hunter said, “and I turned out fine.”

“Well, you don't have to go to college to be a failed artist,” Maddox said.

Sara had gotten along with Maddox up until this point but now she was a little offended on Hunter's behalf. However, one glance at Hunter made it clear that this was nothing to go to war over, so Sara simmered down.

Marian was a little peeved, though. “You don't even have to graduate high school to be an asshole, apparently. Jesus Christ, Maddox, we have guests, can you play nice for one minute?”

Maddox looked stunned. She was used to squabbling with Hunter and Marian breaking it up eventually, but he seemed genuinely upset with her, which was new.

“Sorry. Excuse me.” Maddox got up hastily and fled to the bathroom.

“It really wasn't a big deal, Marian,” Hunter said, feeling uneasy.

Petunia and Tristan both suddenly seemed very interested in their phones, not wanting to get pulled into a family kerfuffle.

Marian looked just as uneasy. Maddox was his little sister, his fishing buddy. Things had grown a little strained recently because she'd started acting like she was too old for all of that, but she'd still come to game night. And now he was the one starting fights.

“Do you think I should go check on her?” He asked, taking a mental poll.

It was pretty unanimous, the only one who could smooth things over was Marian.

“We'll clean up in here and figure out what we want to play,” Sara offered, showcasing why she already had a nickname and a place in the Candy Bowl group chat.

“Thanks, Skittles.”

Tristan was sitting next to her and leaned over, “Did I miss something, should I be calling you Skittles?”

“You didn't miss anything, Skittles is the nickname I earned when I trounced Marian and Hunter in Uno on my first game night. If you stick around, you might get a nickname too.”

“I'm just here for moral support,” Tristan confessed. “I think Madds is pretty stressed out about graduation and stuff. A lot of our friends are leaving to go out of state or find themselves. I just wanted to be there for her while I'm still here.”

“Huh.”

Hunter had really thought Maddox was upset about her brother liking someone but she'd missed the forest for the trees. Maddox was a teenager who was about to be thrust into the real world (or a college-shaped approximation of the real world), of course she was stressed out and frazzled by every little change. And now game night had changed too.

“Thanks for looking out for her,” Hunter said.

“My pleasure. She really is something fierce,” Tristan said it with a lot of love in his voice, but even Morgan (shipping connoisseur) could tell that it was a platonic love.

“Yeah, nothing is ever going to change that,” Hunter agreed.

Maddox, who may or may not have shed a tear in the bathroom, and Marian, whose eyes were noticeably red, came back to the table and looked around.

“Well? What are we playing?” Maddox demanded.

She and Marian had seemingly made their peace, or at least postponed any lingering awkwardness until after game night.

“How about Apples to Apples?” Petunia suggested.

“Perfect. Apples to Apples is a good judge of character,” Maddox said.

Marian rolled his eyes a little but he didn't argue. Maddox could keep score if she wanted to, he knew in his heart Petunia would have a nickname by the end of the night.

[earnestly-endlessly]

Hi! I'm wondering if you can make a list of fics where Erik's jewish heritage isn't ignored? I just came across the fact that a lot of authors don't explore this part of him for some reason and i found it kinda upsetting so i'm wondering if you have any recs! I liked "As They Kiss, Consume" and "Who Shall be King Hereafter" by sherwoodfox, in case anyone who's reading this ask is interested in the same topic.

Hi Anon. I'm sorry for taking so long with this list but your request sent me on a wide search for fics that fit with your request. I tried to find a variety of fics where Erik's Jewish heritage is addressed. Some of them aren't necessarily cherik, but most of them are. I hope you enjoy this list.

Mistletoe, Latkes, and Long-Term Revenge Strategies – pocky_slash

Summary: Charles knows that Erik hates working at a department store in the best of times. Being Jewish in a department store during the holiday season is far from the best of times. He does what he can to help.

A Nice Boy (the Family Matters Edition) – pocky_slash

Summary: Erik's not sure whether the problem is that he doesn't want his parents to meet Charles or that he doesn't want Charles to meet his parents. Either way, he never invites Charles to brunch. Why should he? It's not like they're dating.

A Road Trip to Pennsylvania – Aainiouu

Summary: For a year Charles has nurtured the biggest and most embarrassing crush known to man towards Erik. They are friends and roommates and when Erik asks Charles to accompany him to home on Thanksgiving of course Charles goes.

In the Bleak Midwinter – keire_ke

Summary: It is not easy to find out, well into the second decade of the twenty-first century, that your mother arranged a marriage for you. It is even less easy to convince her that you have no interest in the very fertile Magda, she of the wide hips and lustrous auburn hair. Fortunately, with a good friend at his side over the holiday weekend, Erik is sure he will prevail.

Speech Making – phalangine

Summary: Modern Emma AU- Charles Xavier, accomplished matchmaker and headmaster of North America’s preeminent school for mutants, intends to add another notch to his belt: setting up his friend Moira. His oldest friend, Erik, has doubts about this plan.

Charles doesn’t share them.

This is life (and everything’s all right) – pocky_slash

Summary: Edie Lehnsherr came into Charles' life long before he ever heard Erik Lehnsherr's name, and her death left a gaping hole in the lives of everyone in Charles' family. As the first Purim without her approaches, he begins to get creative in his efforts to bring everyone out of their grief. Kitchen creativity, however, is not quite his strength....

Bashert – AvengingAngel

Summary: Erik and Charles meet and fall in love. I wanted to write a story where Erik had a huge family. Pretty fluffy (for me anyways). I suck at summaries.

Note: The summary doesn’t reveal much but if you’re looking for a fic where Erik is jewish and has a large family with a heavy dose of cherik fluff and angst then this one is for you.

Math Reasons – pearl_o,  pocky_slash

Summary: "Mom says Erik always knows what he wants, it just sometimes takes him a little while to actually realize it," Ruth said.

Charles fell in love with Erik the first night they met, the first week of freshman year. Two years of friendship, adventures, arguments, hijinks, secrets, and summer visits later, Erik is starting to catch up.

Ser

It’s kind of our whole things – pearl_o, pocky_slash

Summary: After two years of best friendship, Charles and Erik thought they knew everything there was to know about each other. They're surprised, then, when their first summer as a couple reveals that they have a lot to learn about each other and themselves.

Sequel to Math Reasons

A Winter in New York – nextraordinaire

Summary: Charles and Erik have been childhood friends for as long as they can remember – Erik, living with his mother in Queens, and Charles in the big mansion in Westchester. For all, expect themselves, it was just natural progression that they'd end up together.

A series of ficlets from the same universe – can be read as separate and are out of chronological order.

Baby, It’s Cold Outside – heyjupiter

Summary: "It's just, this is my first Chanukah away from my parents. And it's--it's like 90 degrees out."

Erik Lehnsherr and Kitty Pryde celebrate a Genoshan Chanukah. It's a little different from the way it used to be in New York, but some unexpected visitors help them embrace the spirit of the holiday season.

Hold Back the Rain (front!strict mashup) – euphorbic

Summary: Charles Xavier: society darling, powerful political activist, well-known professor, and Dominant.

Erik Lehnsherr: anti-social, international motorcycle racer, and defiant submissive.

Erik is at Sepang in Malaysia for the fourteenth leg of the International World Championship. After doing poorly in qualifying, he's furious to find he has to take another VIP around the track instead of meeting Charles at the KL airport.

The Swan – waitfornight

Summary: In 1939 Erik and his sister Ruth are sent to Devonshire, England, during the Kindertransport refugee program to live with Kurt and Sharon Marko as foster children just before the start of World War II. Angry and wishing he could return home on the night of his seventeenth birthday, Erik meets a boy alone in the forest who is cursed to transform each day into a swan, only taking his true form by night.

Swan Lake AU.

The boy with the heart on his sleeve – euphorbic

Summary: Charles loses a high-stakes bet to Raven and is required to get a tattoo. However, when he makes a disparaging remark about the art form, Raven's acerbic mentor, Erik, steps in.

Or, the one where Erik and Raven are tattoo artists.

The Wurst Case Scenario – sareyen

Summary:If anyone asked why Charles, come rain, wind or shine, made the significant trek during his dismal lunch hour to dine at "Edie's Kosher Delicatessen", he would stubbornly say that it was because their pastrami on rye and potato knishes were absolutely to die for. He wasn't completely lying, because the deli's namesake, Edie Lehnsherr, made the best matzah ball soup Charles has ever had in his life. Still, Charles would rather shave his full head of hair off than admit that the real reason he would willingly walk through hail and fire to get to the corner deli was because of Erik, the insanely attractive man working the counter.

Sure, Erik has barely spoken two words to Charles other than "Hello, what can I get you?" or, after the third day in a row that Charles came to the deli, "Welcome back, what can I get you?", but Charles was more than happy to just ogle at the man from afar while devouring the juicy wurst Erik had put together with his (large and very capable) hands.

But, little does Charles know, Erik doesn't usually work the front counter. He only does it when he knows the cute blue-eyed man will be dining in.

This is life (and everything’s all right) – pocky_slash

Summary: Edie Lehnsherr came into Charles' life long before he ever heard Erik Lehnsherr's name, and her death left a gaping hole in the lives of everyone in Charles' family. As the first Purim without her approaches, he begins to get creative in his efforts to bring everyone out of their grief. Kitchen creativity, however, is not quite his strength....

c'est regarder ensemble dans la même direction – melonbutterfly

Summary: Since that day on the beach, Charles and Erik have learned to agree to disagree for the sake of living and working together. Then, for Christmas, and Charles gives Erik Hanukkah back a second time, and their relationship shifts a little further.

Terrible Hanukkah Sweaters and Other Life Challenges – professor

Summary: “Why am I here again?” Erik groans.

“I need you to lift things and glower at people over my shoulder when I tell people that it’s not ‘politically correct’ or a ‘war on Christmas’ to have a non-denominational winter holiday festival,” says Theresa Pryde.

Well, at least those are two things he’s good at.

Shrapnel – librata

Summary: It's late 1940, and tensions between the Axis and the Allies are tightening. Displaced and alone, 16-year-old German Jew Erik Lehnsherr finds himself employed as a servant by some snobby, terrible family in England whose house is far too big and whose money never seems to end. The worst part is, he isn't just mucking stables or cleaning plates–-he's tasked with tending to the whiny, disabled son named Charles, who might just drive Erik into absolute madness.

Or, the World War II fic in which Erik and Charles experience a changing world and a lot of teen angst.

Defying Expectations – Baamon5evr

Summary: Charles and Erik meet each other’s family. Neither of them gets what they expect.

table for three – pocky_slash

Summary: Erik should have known to call ahead to the Chinese restaurant--it's Christmas Eve and he lives in a predominantly Jewish neighborhood, after all. But before he can go home to mourn the loss of another one of his mother's yearly traditions, he's accosted by a teenage girl with a strange proposition--that he should stay and have dinner with her and her mother, instead.

different from all other nights – metonymy

Summary: "This year we are slaves; next year we will be free." Kitty and Erik host a seder for Passover at the Xavier School.

Libertad – ariadnes_string

Summary: Erik knew the look, had seen it his whole life, even before the war.  ”You, with your height and blue eyes and straight nose, you can pass. You can be free of us. You are not marked with your difference.” If you only knew, he’d thought then. He thought the same thing now. And it was that thought, as much as anything, that made him move towards the gate.

Wash Away – sebastian2017

Summary: One quiet, lonely morning, before Yom Kippur, Erik makes his way to the sea in search of forgiveness.

After? There is No ‘After’ – Unrepentant_Marvelist

Summary: Erik knows what he is for. He has known his responsibilities as a survivor since the moment he woke under a scratchy, lice-infested blanket in the Red Army hospital. His world is painted in lucid blacks and whites (so often splashed in red) and there is no room for uncertainty or indecision... until a certain sunburned Englishman throws himself into his world.

The Children of an Idle Brain – Margo_Kim

Summary: Sometimes, when he’s lucky, Schmidt can’t hurt him. It’s like there’s a room inside of Erik’s head that’s he’s usually locked out of, that won’t open no matter if he beats himself bloody against it. On those days, he endures. But sometimes—and Erik doesn’t know why, whether it’s that the stars align or some higher power takes pity or Erik screams loud enough to earn his reward��the door opens. Erik can duck inside and slam it behind him and watches himself through the windows as Schmidt slowly, methodically tortures him to strength.

These days, this past week, there’s a boy in the room with him and he tells Erik, “That’s horrible,” like that means something.

Somehow, across the world, Erik's and Charles' minds touch when they need each other most. They can't be sure that the other boy is real. They suspect that he is not. But that doesn't mean they aren't each other's lifeline until they lose each other and then for a while longer.

Tehillim – kvikindi

Summary: Erik, in Israel, afterwards: another life he could have had. If.

I fear no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) – childishinquiry

Summary: Erik has worn long sleeves his whole life, even before they had to wear yellow stars. Marching along his arm, in neat, black, English letters, are the words "My name's Charles Xavier."

Precious Few Years – sherwoodfox

Summary: Erik and Charles (known only to each other by the letters inscribed on their wrists) are meant to be together, soulmates, destined for the most powerful kind of love and connection a human being can experience.

But they are separated in almost every possible way- by distance, by circumstance, by language, by war. Their chances of success- of finding one another in the labyrinth of the world- are very slim. There is a reason why most people never find their soulmates.

But of course, Charles and Erik aren't ordinary children-

They have their gifts.

[savoies]

ill take the floor - patrick moynihan.

summary: only one bed trope.

word count: 1.3k.

warnings: maybe one bad word.

a/n: so here it is, one of the only tropes i have not written yet. hope you enjoy and of course thank you to caitee (@joelsfarabees ) for saying do it. this went through about four drafts so uhm enjoy! italicized and bolded is going back in time.

taglist: ​( send in ask if you want to be added) ​@hartsyhart @nhlpetey @mitch-slap ​ @frostythegoalman @kirbysdch  @aria253264 ​  @josty ​ ​ @kaitieskidmore1 ​ ​ @kiedhara @laurenairay ​ @finnishmafiaa ​ ​ @alxvlasic ​ ​ @hockeyallthetime @barzy-baby ​ ​ ​ @bowenbyram ​ @martynecass ​ @joshsandersons  @connormcdavo @maattamatthews ​ ​ @joelsfarabees ​ @selenophileangel ​ @boqvistsbabe @ana-maa @stars-canucks @bowberrybyram @sidscrosbyy @2manytabsopen @wh0r3forpatrick

​tagging some buds: @simplyjosty @beauvibaby @heybarzy @tkachuk-yeah @cozycozzy

Summer. Something everyone looked forward to. No more school. No more having to worry about loads of assignments and time to finally wind down and relax. For certain people that meant going on trips, going to the beach, or just staying home. But for the Moynihan family that meant renting up a beach house or cabin.

It happened every year. Having Patrick away at college and not having much free time, it was a nice way to spend some time together.

This year Patrick suggested somewhere up in the mountains where him and his buddies from Providence had gone for winter break earlier in the year. Apparently everyone else on the east coast had the same idea as him because as they made their arrangements only one cabin was up for grabs and they took it without much consideration.

In three days they would drive out three hours to their destination travel spot. So after much talk Patrick and his sister Ciara were in their living room helping their parents set everything up that needed to be taken care of.

"So Pat excited to see Y/N?" Ciara said as she looked up at her twin brother.

"Considering i haven't seen her in person this whole school year yeah im pretty excited." He smiled as he thought about seeing you again. He missed you even though you guys talked whenever you could.

"So are you gonna make a move on her this year?" Ciara said suggestively as she wiggled her eyebrows.

"I dont know what you are talking about." Patrick said as he placed the rest of his bags by the door.

"Oh I see the way you look at her." Ciara said.

You were a mutual friend. But over the years of knowing each other you grew closer to Patrick, maybe even developing a small crush on him along the way. They had invited you over to the cabin to catch up. You being away at college. Ciara knew about your crush on her brother and how her brother felt about you so she had made it her mission to get you guys to get closer on this trip. Or at least for one of you to make a move on the other.

Everyone arriving safely at the cabin except some bickering between the twin siblings.

The kids ansty to go see what the cabin had to offer. "Here go ahead." Mrs. Moynihan said as she handed them the keys and they rushed inside piling their bags in the corner of the living room.

After seeing what was behind each door all of you walked back to the living room and Mrs. Moynihan spoke up.

"2 per room, so choose wisely who your roommate for the week will be."

"I choose Casey." Ciara spoke up almost too quickly. "Sorry Pat you're a snorer and Y/N you stay up way too late, i need my beauty sleep." 

"Are you ok with this?" Patrick turned to face you.

"Yeah i'm good. I mean we are both adults sort of. Yeah we can handle it." You smiled at him and shot a glance at Ciara.

"So now that that's settled let's start dinner." Mrs. Moynihan said as she led you all to the kitchen.

~~~

All of you sat around the fireplace outside as you finished dinner. Roasting marshmallows and eating smores.

The adults then going inside and leaving you guys outside as you talked and stargazed.

"I think i'm gonna head inside im getting pretty tired." You said as you got up and said your goodnights.

"What Y/N going to sleep before any of us, that's a first." Ciara spoke up.

"Oh shut up." You said hitting her shoulder playfully. Pat jogging up to catch up to you as both of you headed to the farthest bedroom.

"What not wanting to get bombarded on your love life by your sisters?" You raised your eyebrows playfully at him.

"Like i have one." He laughed.

"Oh really hotshot pat doesn't have a love life, i highly doubt that." Both of you laughing about it and stepping in your bedroom.

After both of you changed you each stood on one side of the bed.

"So uhm i can take the floor." Patrick said as he grabbed the pillow.

"Pat I am not letting you sleep on the floor. Not like we haven't fallen asleep together on the couch before. It's fine." You said as both of you got under the covers turning your backs against each other.

~~~

A few days had passed and it seemed that every day that passed both you and Patrick got closer and closer each morning waking up in each other's arms, the first night being kind of awkward.

Waking up you didn't expect to have Patrick's arm around you, less likely as tightly as it was.

Not sure what to do if you should wake him up or not you laid there staring at the high ceiling until he finally stirred awake.

"Shit my bad." He said as he quickly removed his arm from around your waist and blushed, you missing his warmth as soon as he did so.

"Well why are you avoiding eye contact." Ciara said as both of you walked out of the room and walked separate ways.

Bringing you back to the present where everyone was eating breakfast getting ready to head out to the lake.

"Y/N hurry up cause Casey is still asleep." 

You quickly heading to change as Ciara basically pushed the cereal down your throat for you to hurry up.

You looking through all of your bags, the car, the living room, and lastly the bathroom and not finding your bathing suit.

"Oh no. Oh no this can't be happening." You said as you thought about if you packed it or not.

"What's up?" Moyni questioned as he saw your distressed look.

"My bathing suit. I think I forgot it at home." 

"Well why don't you ask Ciara. She always brings like five because according to her they all look different on her depending on the weather." Pat said as you shouted thank you and ran out of the bedroom. But not before taking in his figure as he sat on the edge of the bed with his swim trunks and sandals.

'Hey Ciara, I forgot my swimsuit. Can i borrow one please?" You said as she soon laid out all of the options out and you picked out the one that would make you feel less insecure.

"Isn't it a bit small." You said as you walked out and covered your chest.

"I think it's cute. And someone else seems to think so also." She said as Pat was already looking at you when you stepped out into the living room.

"Pat close your mouth, you'll catch flies." Ciara whispered to her brother.

Everyone out on the lake that day having fun until they were physically exhausted. Both you and Moyni every so often looking at each other and averting eye contact whenever Ciara or anyone else would look at you guys.

"You know the sexual tension earlier was just wow." Ciara told you as everyone headed to their rooms for bed.

"Oh shut up." 

"You know it's the truth."

~~~

As time to head home neared both of you pretended to be asleep and cuddled into eachothers arms more often.

The last morning at the cabin both of you woke up as you curled into Patrick's chest. "You know i can get used to this." He said.

"Well maybe we should do it more often." You said as you smiled at him. Maybe it was a good thing that Ciara had been planning this all along, since after that trip both of you finally actually did something about the mutual feelings.