So here goes guys! Hope you like this next chapter. Its full of humor and flirting. So enjoy!


We arrive at the Fosters shortly after our trip. Not before being cornered by Lou and her friend again and having to exchange pleasantries. It took everything in my power not to blow up when Lou asked Brandon out on Friday night; and inviting her friend and myself as well. I purposely left out the fact that I'd be working seeing as Brandon seemed really excited about the prospect of a date. His palms were sweaty and the tinge of a stutter gave it away. I agreed wanting this situation to be over as soon as possible. It wasn't that her friend wasn't pretty. I just wasn't interested and I knew the only reason Lou insisted I come was to keep tabs on me while she flirted shamelessly with a completely lost Brandon. He didn't have a clue. Besides this Vanessa girl didn't hold a candle to Mariana.

I was relieved when Brandon didn't start asking questions. Not that I felt I needed to answer to him but I really didn't want him saying anything to Mariana. She didn't know about Lou and if I had anything to do with it, she wouldn't. It wasn't safe or smart and I'd prefer not to have Mari involved in any of her chaos or drama.

Brandon and I arrive shortly before everyone could settle into the movie. "Hey did you get everything you needed from the store?" Lena who had been fluffing pillows glanced over to the foyer. "Oh hi sweetheart. I thought you'd be working today. Your just in time, its movie night."

I try to seize Brandon but his giddiness for his date Friday overpowered my stern glare. "No but I have a date Friday night!" Brandon bounced excitedly.

"How many times do I have to tell you Brandon. In order for it to be a date she has to know about it too." Jesus snickered clearly pleased with himself. Two seconds later a pillow zips through the air clipping his ear. "Hey!" Laughs erupt in the room. Stef winks at Brandon before squeezing my arm acknowledging my presence.

Rolling his eyes Brandon states. "I have her number here. Besides Allison was there, this definitely is a date." Showing off his forearm the name and number were in plain view.

Before he can continue Mariana appears from upstairs with Zac and a small box in tow. "Hey babe! I thought you worked." I cant be upset with her because that smile gets me every time, so instead I narrow my eyes at a clearly upset Zac. "Hey yea I was suppose to but something came up. I wanted to surprise you." Handing over the flowers and placing the bow on my head I yell "Surprise" causing my love to giggle and shake her head. "Oh yea and Beverly says hi and see you soon."

I'm not a completely rude person so I decide to at least pretend he's not invisible. "Zac." He gives me a small nod before waving his goodbyes and bee-lining for the door. "So new rules now? Ex's are allowed upstairs alone without supervision?

Callie walks over to me squeezing my arm tightly. "Relax Mariana was giving him their breakup box. You know all the boxes you have stored in your second bedroom you claim is kitchen ware." She grins knowingly.

"Hey you got one too?" Jesus eyes my forearm.

Callie's grip on my arm displayed a number almost identical to Brandon's only a different name appeared. Grabbing my arm from Callie, Mariana inspects it amused yet suspicious. "Vanessa hmmm. I take it you and Brandon plan on doubling?" Brandon shots me an apologetic smile before taking his seat next to Jude on the sofa.

"I figure since Zac has been in a bit of a stomp lately maybe he could use a pick me up." Mariana's expression changes from amused to skeptical. Sighing I know this doesn't look good so I go with the truth. "Its not my fault your brother has no game whatsoever. He was falling fast. Her friend was there and it would've been rude not to engage. I like to think of it as my good deed for the day."

"Hey! I resent that! Cat got my tongue once and after that everything was smooth sailing." Brandon crosses his arms defensively.

"Are you kidding? Jude could've hit them with a pokemon pick up line and fared far better then you." Jesus and Stef buckled over the couch in fits, while Lena tried to suppress her grin. Jude turned at least ten shades of red and Callie giggled hiding behind the case of their choice movie for tonight. It was harsh but he had basically threw me under the bus and right now an upset Mariana was the last thing I needed.

"Besides lets look at the bigger picture here. B has a date! With a very hot brunette may I add. What was her name? Lou right?" I figure getting the spotlight off of me will ease Mariana's and I argument later. "Yea." The blush that creeps up his face is immediately replaced with horror. "Wait your not going on your date?" Before I can respond Brandon lets out a loud yelp. Callie has made her way over next to Jude and looking intently at the DVD case. Rubbing the back of his head annoyed Brandon sits back settling for silence.

"Actually if your not busy Jesus, you could go for me. I doubt bringing my girlfriend along would be ok. Besides someone will definitely need to be there to keep conversation going seeing as your brother cant form words correctly in front of this girl."

Walking by he high fives in agreement. "No problem dude. So got it covered!…. Hey you remember the chicks from the pier? How that one girl kept trying to get you to adjust her riding gear on the jet skis. So obvious she just wanted you to rub…" Jesus was lost in his rant.

"Jet skis?!"

"Girls at the pier?"

Mariana and Stef speak simultaneously. Smiling weakly Jesus takes his place on the floor in front of Callie. "Sorry I forgot."

Sensing a new wave of quips and retorts Lena changes the subject. "Jude hunny why don't you put the movie in?"

Everyone gets comfortable and I seat myself in the nearest armchair, pulling Mariana into my lap. "You can yell at me later. Right now I'm going to enjoy a movie cuddled up with my girlfriend, if you don't mind." Goosebumps form behind Mariana's ear, the combination of my warm breathe and lips. Most of our arguments were kept at bay whenever I'd pull her into a hug or some form of bodily contact. I feel her relax in my embrace. "Your still in the dog house." Chuckling I give my full attention to the movie and enjoy spending time with the family I've come to love.

Half way through the movie I hear light snores coming from the other side of the room. Lena's head is cradled on Stef's chest while Callie's feet rest in her lap. Jesus has now managed to sprawl out on the floor; while Jude has moved from his seat on the sofa to the floor engrossed in the movie. Callie is texting away on her phone and Brandon must have escaped upstairs unknowingly.

Jesus and Stef are battling in snores now and Jude glares at them before turning up the volume. Callie and I make eye contact before giggling. My slight movement causing Mariana to wake up from her slumber. She moves her head from the crook of my neck and replaces her lips. Trailing light kisses down my pulse line. The growl that followed was out of reflex but not any less awkward. Cal groans in discomfort and Mari try's to stifle her laughter. I throw a sorry to Callie's disapproving glower. "Take it outside!" She whispers before side glancing at Jude and her Moms. "My room?" I peer down at Mariana. If Stef and Lena woke up they'd be upset; but Mari had that look in her eyes and no didn't even seem like an option. The movie was only half way through which would give me forty-five minutes of uninterrupted alone time with Mariana. I'd take it were I could. "Let's go." I managed a husked whisper.

Hand in hand Mari and I head up the stairs. Once we entered her room in a matter of seconds I have her planted firmly against her bedroom door. "So does this mean I'm forgiven?" My body is pressed snug against hers and my thumb begins to trace light circles down her throat; exactly where her lips were on mine minutes ago.

"No, I haven't spent much time with you lately so I'll save our disagreements to family movie nights and chaotic dinners." My laugh bubbles in my chest.

"You know I have no intentions on calling this number. You know you're the only person I have eyes for right?" I search Mariana's gaze. "The wing-womaning with your brothers is more so me trying to fit in. You know?…."

"Wing-womaning? Is that even a word?

My eyebrows arch in defense. " Yes! In my very own personal dictionary. That's not the point. I'm saying it's a great way to get to know them; and if I can help them find someone who makes them as overjoyed as you me, then it's a public service really." The genuine smile that appeared caused my heart to do that fluttering thing it often did since Mariana entered my life.

"Oh yeah?"

"Yeah."

We stare at each other for a moment before my lips are met with persistent cool ones. I'm pushed near the bed and Mari straddles me as I fall backwards. I can't hold my grin in any longer.

"What are you grinning about?" Mari sits up a bit love pouring from her eyes.

"I should come over more often with numbers placed on various parts of my body. It'll be fun to watch you inspect for them if anything." Mariana's face morphs to one of shock causing her second of relapse to weaken her death grip on my waist. I quickly maneuver her flipping and towering over her in seconds. She lands with an "oomph" as I collapse in a fit of giggles.

"Oh so your thinking of making this a regular thing?" Her voice is full of humor but her eyes flash briefly with fear.

Setting all jokes aside I stare unwavering into doubtful eyes. "It wont happen again. Your brothers will have to fend for themselves from now on. Besides I have a girlfriend who I'm absolutely crazy about and she's not into sharing."

Mariana exhales a smile before swatting my arm. "You're a hand full you know that?"

"As long as I'm in your hands, I'm ok with that." Our earlier distraction was forgotten as I showed Mariana exactly how handsy I could be.

Our very intense make out session ended abruptly with Callie bursting into the room.

"Really guys? I said take it outside. Not make yourself more comfortable and head to bed." Obviously irritated and anxious she cuts me off before I can argue. Throwing her hands into the air. "You two have all of two minutes before Moms are up here!"

Jumping from my comfortable position I lunge for my shirt thrown carelessly minutes ago due to my drunken libido and increasing body temperature. "Dammit Cal! You could've started with that!" Mariana runs over to her mirror trying to gain some resemblance of composure. Her flushed appearance and swollen rosy lips were a lost cause.

The knob turns and Callie steps back behind the door. Stef enters while Lena keeps her stance at the doorway. Sitting next to me Stef places her hand on my knee. "Callie you can step from behind the door." Lena pulls it just enough for Callie to slip through. Mariana is sat frozen at her dresser. "Since you felt so obliged to warn them of our arrival mind reiterating the rules."

Blushing slightly Callie looks guiltily between Mari and I. "No boyfriends or girlfriends allowed upstairs alone without one of you being present and especially after ten even if there isn't school."

I can't hide my embarrassment and shame for defying house rules. I always played by the book, Mariana just clouded my judgment sometimes. "I'm sorry. It's just I haven't been able to see Mariana with my crazy schedule, much less spend some time alone with her. I just miss her a lot." I drop my head hoping to gain the desired effect. Glancing up I see a heartfelt Lena and a torn Stef.

Sighing she squeezes my knee before tucking a stray hair behind my ear. "I get that sweets and I still think your overdoing it. Just try to miss Mariana with clothes on please. I don't want the boys thinking this kind of behavior is ok. I still haven't gotten over the incident were I walked in on a very exposed Brandon and Tahlia in my bathroom. I don't think I can take anymore naked hormonal teenagers."

"So what? Wait, I'm off the hook?" Mariana asks her mother surprise in her voice.

"Oh no your in trouble Miss Thang. Lena's smile contradicted her tone. "More volunteers are needed at the rec center. You start Friday!"

"But I have dance rehearsal Friday! Haley will kill me if I don't go." Mari sinks next to me my arm wrapping around her out of instinct as she heaves a sigh of defeat.

"Its ok babe I work Friday. I'll talk to Larry maybe he can move you over to the events department or something. Your in air conditioning and you guys have your own lounge; which no one ever uses. You can dance for me there. I'll be sure to let Haley know how- OW!" I rub the back of my arm were Stef roughly pinched me. Lena throws her hands up announcing she's done with the conversation. Callie is leaning against the door frame no longer able to hold herself upright eyes streaming with tears and her face tight in laughter.

Staring at Mariana Stef removes herself from the spot next to me. "I think we'll be talking to Larry on Friday. Lights out in ten minutes you two. And by you two I mean Callie and my other death wishful daughter. Allison five minutes starting now. Don't make me come back." Feeling as if her threat was absorbed Stef kisses both Mari and I on our temples. Heading for the door she captures Callie in a bear hug and feathered kisses. "Love you my sweets!" Different endearments of love followed a cheesing Stef to her bedroom.

"So I better get going. I doubt your moms are going to bed anytime soon." Snuggling up to me more, the whimper of defiance rang clear in my ear.

"She said you had five more minutes." Her clutch is tight but her yawn gives way to how tired she really must be. Demanding she lay in bed she obliges with little protest. I tuck her in marveling at how beautiful she is. Through closed eyes and a sleepy voice she manages a "text me when you get home."

I can't help but smile. "You'll be asleep by then babe. You wont get it."

Opening her eyes for a moment Mari cradles my face. "When I fully wake up I'll know you arrived safe at home in bed. Missing me as much as I'm missing you."

"Wow really?" Callie rolled her eyes at our display of gush. "You two are sickening I swear." Kissing Mariana once more I head to the door. "Your not going to tuck me in too? I don't get a bed time story?" Her grin widens at her own banter.

"Yea I got a book for you. Its called the Finger that Soared." Callie giggled causing her eyes to crinkle a bit more. "Goodnight Cal." "Goodnight Al" Shutting the door I leave with the click of Callie's bedside lamp as my final goodbye.

I arrived home shortly, the feeling of isolation and emptiness following. After being around the Fosters for so long a person could get used to their busy lifestyle. Someone was always around which made it hard to stupor in pity and self-loathe. However when I got home all of those feelings slapped me right in the face.

My door bell ringing breaks me out of my thoughts. I shot off a text to Mariana and Stef, knowing Stef would call if I didn't; an unspoken rule between us since I'd started staying so late at the Fosters. I catch the door on its last ring.

"You can't be serious?!" I huff in exhaustion. I'm too tired for this but I cant ignore the tear stained pleading eyes so I move to the side letting her enter. "After that stunt you pulled today I shouldn't let you in. And your definitely calling and canceling that date Lou. It wasn't right and you know it." I bolt my door and pad over to the couch to remove the cushions.

"I'm sorry. I just really needed to talk to you and he was kind of there. Besides he's cute, so it wasn't completely in vain."

I disappear in the back to emerge seconds later with sheets and pillow. "Unless you plan on taking it anywhere I advise you to end it now. That's my girlfriends brother your toying with and I don't like it. Any of this! I have to tell Mariana eventually that I've lied to her and I really don't want to list increasing. Meaning I don't want her to know about us if she doesn't have to. Got it! For once try not to be the self-centered person I know your not." With that I leave a broken and exhausted brunette. I close my door and lock it just in case she decides to pull the I can't sleep card. I really didn't feel like comforting her; and the only girl I wanted wrapped in my arms tonight and for the rest of my nights was Mariana Foster.


So she came over anyways… I don't know about you guys but I'm ready to find out what's the deal with Allison and Lou. We know they have history but what's their story? I'm super anxious. How about you guys? RR please