A/N: this was actually supposed to be a short one-shot of Hunter meeting Jessi's family, but it turned into a sort of filler chapter with a twist at the end.
*usual disclaimers... I own nothing recognizable.
"Why are you so nervous?" Jessi asked, tilting her head to look at her boyfriend. She and Hunter had been going out for two weeks and he was going to be over at her house with her family for the first time. It was only her mom, David, and Sebastian, so Jessi didn't really understand why Hunter looked like a constipated puppy.
"Jess, its nerve wracking! I've never really done the whole 'meet the girlfriends parents' thing." Hunter said, tightening his grip on his pencil. Jessi just smiled. She knew they would love him. Sure, he still kind of looked like a military brat, but he had only been out of academy for three weeks. It would take a while for his hair to grow and for his crazy muscles to calm down. Inside though, she knew her boyfriend was a sweetie who could sing (and draw, but she promised not to tell anyone, even though he was drawing her).
"Plus," He continued, his voice quieter. "I'm pretty sure David Smythe could have me assassinated and make it look like an accident."
Jessi snorted and got up from her position on Hunter's bed. She grabbed his pencil and sketchpad from his hands and moved them to his desk. She replaced her body with the pad that had been resting on his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. Pressing her lips softly to his temple, Jessi sighed.
"You're an idiot, Hunt. They're going to love you, because I care about you. Sure, Seb might act a little stand-offish at first, but he just has to get to know you. You'll be fine." Jessi whispered her reassurance while her fingers massaged his neck softly. "Besides, I know where they all sleep, so if they're mean to you I'll put blue hair dye in their shampoo."
Hunter cracked a grin and kissed Jessi's lips lightly. "You're amazing, Jess."
"I know." Jessi couldn't keep the smug grin off her face. "Now, I really do wish I could stay longer, but I promised my mom I'd actually be home for dinner tonight, so I have to go."
Hunter slowly released his light grip on her waist and stood up with her. He was about to follow her to her car when she stopped him with her palm to his chest. "Nope, you're going to continue drawing to keep your mind off of your "impending doom" tomorrow. I can show myself out."
"Fine." He muttered, wrapping his arms around her, squeezing. "I'll see you tomorrow."
With a quick, but firm kiss, Jessi smiled and nodded. "Nine thirty."
After Jessi left Hunter flopped back onto his bed and ran a hand down his face. He was seriously afraid for his life. He knew it was ridiculous, but he was still afraid. The prospect of going overseas the September after graduation didn't scare him, but meeting his girlfriend's family honestly scared the shit out of him.
The next morning, Hunter arrived at the Smythe residence right on time. He had made an effort that morning and was wearing light grey shorts and a (yes he'll admit it) coral pink t-shirt. His hair was barely styled, as it was still at the awkward length after a crew cut—he really hoped he made a good impression on these people. Really hoped.
Hunter strolled up to the door and rang the bell, rocking back on his heels as he waited for someone to answer. Jessi's dog, Lady, loped up to the porch to greet him, and they both jumped when they heard yelling from in the house. Seconds later, the door opened to reveal a tall, striking woman.
"Hi, you must be Hunter. I'm Laurie. Come on in." The woman, Laurie, greeted warmly, opening the door. He'd never been inside Jessi's home, and he was pleasantly surprised by it. From what he could see, the house was built from handcrafted wood inside and out, giving it a very homey feel.
"SEBASTIAN! JESUS CHRIST, WHY DID YOU TAKE MY TOOTHBRUSH IN THERE WITH YOU?!" Hunter heard the voice of his girlfriend practically screech from down the hall. He could faintly hear the sound of running water and a male voice singing a Michael Jackson song rather loudly.
"WOMAN! WHEN I AM IN HERE, I AM ALLOWED TWO THINGS. THE FREEDOM TO SING MY SONGS IN PEACE WITHOUT PEOPLE SCREAMING ABOUT TOOTHBRUSHES, AND THE FREEDOM TO FUCKING WASH MY BALLS WITHOUT BEING INTERUPTED!" The male singing screamed back.
"Oh my god. I'm sorry. Seriously, they usually get along really well." Laurie apologized, putting her hand to her forehead.
"No, It's fine." Hunter cracked a grin. "I have a brother and a sister, I understand what it's like."
Seconds later, a loud 'what the fuck' could be heard. Jessi walked down the hall carrying a tooth brush and looking victorious.
"Jessaleigh Kathryn. Did you pick the lock to the bathroom again?" Laurie cried, exasperated.
"Yes mother, I did. Asshole stole my toothbrush. Hey Hunter. I'm going to go brush my teeth, and then we can redo this whole greeting thing, okay?" Jessi asked, smiling at him. He nodded and she raced upstairs to quickly brush her teeth.
"You must be the boy." A deep male voice asked to Hunter's left. He whipped his head to the side and met David Smythe's eyes.
"Y-yes sir, Hunter Clarington." Hunter stammered, holding his hand out. David took it, his grip firm.
Hours later, Jessi walked him out to his truck, both smiling.
"I told you everything would turn out okay." She gloated, grinning at him. "In fact, things went better than okay. He went an entire day without one comment about your ass or your amazing body."
"Who did?" Hunter asked, leaning against the side of his truck.
"Sebastian. He's gay." Jessi said, a nervous glint in her eye.
"Hey, if he's strong enough to come out as gay in Ohio, then more power to him. And, if he thinks I have a nice ass, well it's a plus." Hunter smiled, kissing her forehead in reassurance.
"Pfft, he's not the one who thinks you have a nice ass, baby." Jessi said, whispering the last part in Hunter's ear.
"Yeah?" He replied, pulling her closer.
"Mhm, mom says you have a rather nice toosh." Jessi grinned and pecked his lips. "Now go, before they bring out the guns and shoot you for mackin on the 'baby'."
"Fine. I'll call you later, baby." Hunter said, kissing her a final time before getting in his truck and leaving.
"I quite like him." Sebastian announced when she got back in the house.
"Really?" Jessi asked, skeptical.
"Yeah, I especially enjoyed the part where he almost pissed his pants when Dad gave the dad speech."
When Jessi met Hunter's family, it was much less.. busy. It was the fourth of July, and Hunter had hijacked her from her morning run.
"Hey!" He shouted jumping in front of her. Jessi let out a little shriek, instinctively throwing her fist out. When she realized it was just Hunter, Jessi ripped her earbuds out of her ears and glared at him.
"Dude! I almost pissed my pants." She wasn't mad for long, though, as Hunter's arms always managed to calm her down.
"C'mon, mom told me to bring you to meet the family." He practically drug her up the driveway and to the backyard where, even at 10 in the morning, the Claringtons where sitting on the lawn.
"I'm actually fairly certain your mom did not say "Hunter, why don't you give Jessi a heart attack and jump out in front of her on her morning run and then drag her to meet your family while she smelled like a barn"." Jessi whispered harshly as they reached his family.
"Jessi! It's good to see you again." Jenna Clarington, Hunter's mom greeted warmly.
"You too Jenna." Jessi said smiling. "I would hug you, but someone felt the need to hijack me on my run."
"Hunter Alexander." Jenna scolded, 'mom tone' in full force. "Come on Jessi, come meet the family. Alexander, come meet Jessi."
A tall man, who shared Hunter's striking eyes and build walked over. "Jessi, this is Alexander, Hunter's father." Jessi shook the man's hand.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir. I assure you I don't usually look like I sprinted a marathon… or smell like it." Jessi wrinkled her nose slightly.
"Your son hijacked his girlfriend from her morning run." Jenna grumbled, sending a playful glare at Hunter. "Dear, take the poor girl home so she can shower before meeting your siblings."
Forty minutes later, Jessi was back, and shaking hands with Hunter's brother, while being bombarded with hugs from his sister and sister-in-law.
None of the people present at the Claringtons heard the light click of a camera going off at random intervals throughout the day.
A/N: HAHA! no one knows what's going to happen with that little blip at the end but ME! Anyway, review? This was written in like an hour, so, yeah.
-Sam.