Part Trente-trois

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The party was starting to wind down, and Carrie had finally managed to talk to Nick. It seemed they were on the same page, so that was good.

"He took it well?" Flynn asked Carrie with concern.

She nodded, "Yeah. He said he felt the same way, he doesn't want to lose our friendship. I'm glad I got to talk to him and clear the air."

"That's wonderful Carrie." Julie reached out and squeezed her hand.

Their conversation was interrupted by the DJ calling for Alex and Carrie to come sing their karaoke song.

Carrie hadn't really known what had happened with Alex in the last song, but it had obviously upset him and once he and Willie had rejoined the the table, she had quietly apologized. Then she asked Alex if she could sing something silly and fun with him to make up for it. He told her it wasn't her fault and he would love to sing with her. She was careful to consult with him this time, but in the end she picked the song, showing him the lyrics on her phone. It wasn't a duet, but it was fun.

"Crazy
Oh
Oh

Baby, I'm so into you
You got that something, what can I do?
Baby, you spin me around, oh
The earth is moving, but I can't feel the ground
Every time you look at me
My heart is jumping, it's easy to see

You drive me crazy, I just can't sleep
I'm so excited, I'm in too deep
Whoa oh oh, crazy, but it feels alright
Baby, thinking of you keeps me up all night..."

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Julie leaned back into Luke's chest, "I'm really glad you two threw this party, Flynn. It's so much fun."

"I'm so happy you're happy, bestie." They shared a meaningful smile, Flynn turning to ask Reggie and Kayla if they were ready to sing, since they were up next.

"Yeah! I'm excited, Kayla says it's good!"

"I'm not sure how he managed to escape hearing this one, but I think it will be cute," she blushed and pecked Reggie on the cheek, "just like you, Reg."

He responded with a smitten smile, and slipped his hand into hers on the table with a affectionate squeeze.

Carrie and Alex arrived back at the the table just in time for this. Alex sitting down and being tugged into Willie's arms to cuddle, and Carrie shaking her head and laughing as she reclaimed her own seat.

"I told you," she said in a loud stage whisper to Flynn and Julie, "flirting her little heart out."

Both Reggie and Kayla turned bright red as they got up, walking to the stage.

"Livin' in my own world
Didn't understand
That anything can happen
When you take a chance

I never believed in
What I couldn't see
I never opened my heart, oh
To all the possibilities, ooh

I know

That something has changed

Never felt this way

And right here tonight

This could be the start of something new

It feels so right

To be here with you, oh
And now, lookin' in your eyes

I feel in my heart (Feel in my heart)

The start of something new..."

Julie, Carrie, and Flynn were having trouble not singing along, all of them mumble-singing under their breath.

Luke's lips were almost close enough to brush Julie's ear as he asked her, "Jules, what is this song?"

She turned to him, and her face lit up, "Oh, we're going to have to have a movie night soon! I can't wait to show you all three movies!"

Luke raised an eyebrow, not sure about the almost manic look in her eyes, "Uh, why do I feel like I should regret asking?"

Julie grinned, "Because you probably should."

He sighed, laying his head on her shoulder, "Well, I guess it's worth it if we get to cuddle."

She pulled his arms tighter around her middle, "There will definitely be cuddling."

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Eventually the party had to come to an end, people heading home, getting picked up or catching rides with friends.

Flynn, Julie and they guys all offered to help Carrie clean up, but Ray and Bobby had finished their last movie and come out of the den.

"Don't worry about it kids," said Bobby, "I've got people here for that." Sure enough, the catering staff were already sweeping the room with trash bags, gathering empty cup and plates. "And they're going to get a big bonus, so it's all good."

"Thanks, Trevor," the kids chorused (they were working on a plan for an organic way for him to go back to 'Bobby' in public).

"Yeah, thanks Daddy." Carrie gave him a big hug.

Ray yawned, "Should we maybe get home, guys? I'm certainly ready to sleep."

Julie and the boys all nodded in agreement.

"I'll call you tomorrow Julie," Flynn gave her one last hug, she was staying over at Carrie's that night.

"Okay, Flynn, I'll talk to you then."

Ray handed the keys to Luke again, and everyone climbed in the SUV to go home.

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"So, did you get Kayla's number Reggie?" Alex asked him from the third row of seats, his voice teasing.

"Yes, as a matter of fact I did, thank you very much," Reggie was trying to be smug, but it mostly came out giddy.

"She seemed really nice, way to go bro," Willie gave him a fist bump from behind, he was also sitting in the far back.

"Yeah, I'm still totally going to tease you, but I'm happy for you Reg." Alex patted his shoulder.

Julie, sitting next to Reggie in the middle row, was already falling asleep, but managed, "Happy for ya, Reg."

Ray just smiled to himself, he would ask Reggie about it tomorrow, he had mentioned wanting to meet Carrie's friend a couple times in passing, but it seemed like they had really clicked tonight.

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When they arrived back at the Molina house, everyone was quiet getting out of the car, since Julie was completely asleep by then.

"Do you need any help getting her inside Luke?" Ray had carefully held the car door and the two of them had somehow maneuvered Julie out of the SUV, and into Luke's arms, without much more than a few mumbles that sounded vaguely annoyed and half-hearted, mostly asleep, participation from the girl.

"Nah, I got her Ray, as long as you've got the front door."

"Of course."

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Luke was stepping into Julie's room to settle her in her bed, when Ray touched his shoulder, "Why don't you stay with her again tonight? I know you still haven't given her the birthday present you bought in Canada."

He froze, and blinking back the sudden wetness in his eyes, Luke nodded at Ray, "I-" his voice broke a little, "Ray, I don't know how to tell you how much it means to me-"

"You don't have to." Ray lifted his hand and cupped Luke's cheek for a moment, "I know how you feel about her. I trust you, Luke." He gave Luke a smile and walked down the hall to his room, calling a soft, "Goodnight!" as he shut his door.

Luke stood there a minute longer, awestruck. Then, shaking his head, he adjusted Julie slightly in his arms and moved into her room, gently closing the door behind him with one foot.

He lay her down, and stood back. She looked so peaceful, no worries furrowing her brow as she slumbered. Luke knew he should wake her up though, she would be uncomfortable in those jean shorts. He looked down at himself, come to think of it, his dress pants would not be fun to sleep in either. He sent thanks to the universe he still had the perk of teleporting, and popped away to the studio to grab some sweatpants.

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"Hey, it was a good night, huh?" Alex asked.

Reggie was already snoring in the loft, and Willie just sleepily watched the conversation from his bed.

Luke quickly shucked off his pants and slid on some comfortable black sweats, then switched his top for a clean, soft, gray t-shirt. "Yeah. And, uh, I'm gonna stay with Julie again tonight."

Alex raised a brow, "Really?"

"Shut up man," there wasn't really any heat to his retort, "it's her first Halloween and birthday without her Mom, you know that." Luke looked down and mumbled, "And Ray said I could."

Alex's eyes went wide, "Wow. I mean, I knew he seemed fine with you being with her this morning, but wow."

"Yeah. He's a really good guy."

It was Alex's turn to look away, "I know." He looked back at Luke, "We talked. At the party, in the den. It- it was nice. I actually get it now."

Luke smiled at him, "That's great Alex." He picked up the gift bag he had hidden behind the couch, popping back to Julie's room with a quiet, "Good night."

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Julie stirred when he reappeared, sleepily pushing up on one elbow, "Luke? When did we get home? Are you staying with me tonight?"

"Um, if that's okay?" He bit his lip and ducked his head, "I still haven't given you your present."

"I thought it was the mini concert earlier? Your songs?"

His hand went to rub the back of his neck, and he lifted the gift bag he had in one hand. "No. I bought it in Canada, I saw it and thought of you. I, um, I really hope you like it."

Julie's face glowed with surprise and anticipation, she sat up completely, and made a 'gimme' gesture with her fingers.

Luke handed her the bag and sat next to her, his fingers twisting together nervously.

Julie gleefully pulled the tissue paper out, reaching into the bag and extracting the jewelry box at the bottom. Her eyes widened as she opened it, the gold bracelet gleaming in the sliver of moonlight peeking through the curtains across her windows.

She drew in a sharp breath, "Luke, it's so pretty." She looked closer as she lifted it out of the box, "Oh, a music note, and a heart, wait... PERFECT HARMONY, and J&L," her voice cracked at the inscriptions on each side of the heart, tears gathering. "Luke."

His smile was a little uncertain, he didn't mean to make her cry.

"Will you help me put it on?"

"Of- of course." Luke took the bracelet and fastened it around the left wrist she held out to him, infinitely relieved that she liked it.

As soon as he was done, she threw her arms around his neck and yanked him into a tight hug. "I love you, Luke."

He relaxed in her embrace, holding her close, "I love you too, Jules."

They stayed in place for a long moment, then Julie tilted her head back to meet his eyes, "You changed into comfy clothes, I need to do that. I'll be right back."

She got up and gathered her pajamas, making a fast trip to the bathroom to change and wash her face. Luke was curled up in her bed when she got back, eyes shut and obviously half-asleep already. She couldn't help but melt a little, glancing at the bracelet on her wrist. What she had confessed to her Mom in her head the night of the dinner at Bobby's was mostly the truth, that 'she was pretty sure she was going to spend forever with him.' The truth now, though, was that she wasn't just pretty sure, she was sure.

Julie tip-toed over and crawled into bed next to him, he immediately roused enough to wrap his arms around her and pull her into his chest, murmuring her name. She snuggled close, feeling safe and loved. Despite the acute ache at the absence of her Mom, this had been a wonderful birthday.

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A/N:So, confession. I was listening to music the other day while I worked and a song came on that made me go, 'Oh, this would be cute for Juke. Maybe a one-shot where...'

Suddenly me out loud: Holy shit, Luke still hasn't given Julie the bracelet!

I had to laugh at myself, that was basically the whole reason I made Halloween be Julie's birthday, so he could give it to her. So, yeah. This chapter was written in pieces, and I meant to have it up earlier today. But it was a rough week, and I slept really late.