The Dangers of Extended Family

A/N: Ah, I've been pretty MIA due to some mental health stuff, but I'm back for…who knows how long. This section will be a bit long and split up into maybe four or five parts if I don't get carried away with drama and romance scenes. Anyway, back to family shenanigans and bonding.

Bryce grinned, going towards his grandma after putting her and his grandpa's bags away in the guest room. "I hope the flight wasn't too bad," he said, hugging Jodi tightly. "especially with the upcoming weather."

Jodi hugged him back, humming as she patted his back. "I know, and thank y'all fer offerin' to let your cousin Eli stay with y'all." She said, turning towards Blake as he walked into the living room. "Specially, since I'm sure y'all newlyweds are eager to consummate."

Bryce blushed, scratching the back of his neck. "Grandma, no one does that anymore," he said. "When's Eli gonna get here?"

"Said he was comin' a few hours after us," Kenneth said, letting Blake go after hugging him. "Give y'all some time to make up the guest room n uh," he cleared his throat as Sandy walked out of the kitchen with a tray of sweet tea and brownies. "Maybe, keep the fact y'all're married under wraps."

"What'd they need to do that for?" Sandy asked, raising an eyebrow. "I thought Carol n Chrissy were stayin' with 'em."

Jodi shook her head, taking the seat next to Shadow. "They managed to find a hotel room before they were all booked here," she replied, taking a brownie. "N yer Aunt May is stayin' with Maria n her girlfriend."

Sandy blinked, brows furrowed as she asked, "I thought Eli wasn't comin'?"

"Changed his mind, felt bad about missin' Carol's weddin' n you know they haven't spoken in a while cause of it. You know how he is." Kenneth answered.

"Eli hasn't spoken to Carol since she told him she was gay in the first place," Sandy shot back, crossing her arms. "Couldn't Randy n the girls stay with 'em instead?"

"You said uncle Randy was staying with Sam and Alex, remember?" Bryce said. "Besides, I've never even met Eli, how bad could he be?"

Blake huffed, jingling his car keys. "It's fine either way, just as long as he has somewhere to stay for Thanksgiving." He said, looping his arm with Bryce's. "The guest room shouldn't be too dirty, right?"

Bryce shrugged, scratching his head. "Guess not, but we should check just in case." He answered, glancing at his mother. "We'll let you know if Eli gives us any trouble, I promise."

Sandy sighed, hugging them both before they left. "Alright, get home safe."

Bryce sighed, gathering the stack of printer paper up in his hands. "Why'd we put the printer in here again?" he asked.

"Cause when you first moved in, you thought you couldn't go into the study unless I let you," Blake answered, grinning as he held the cardboard box up. "which I appreciated at the time, but felt was a bit odd."

Bryce rolled his eyes, dropping the printer paper in the box as he kissed Blake. He huffed as the doorbell rang, giving Blake another quick kiss before going to answer it.

A light brown squirrel stood at the door, smiling and taking his hat off as Bryce opened the door. "Hey, cuz, it's nice to finally meet you," Eli said, hugging Bryce as he entered the house. "Nice place ya got, heard you had a roommate."

"Right, Blake's still fixing up the guest room. He should be out in a few minutes." Bryce said, watching Eli sit on the couch. Bryce really hoped Eli wouldn't be too much trouble.