Henry was silent during the drive home, one arm resting against the window with his head resting against his palm as the other hand controlled the steering wheel. Jasper noticed his friend's silence but decided to ask him about it once they got home, figuring he wouldn't want to talk about it with his little sister in the back seat. They just silently listened to the rap music that played over the radio before Henry finally spoke up. He turned onto their street and seeing Charlotte's house reminded him of something. He sucked his teeth and sighed softly.

"I gotta get my jacket from her place," he muttered mostly to himself but Jasper still heard him. He nodded and took off his seatbelt as they neared the Hart residence.

"Just walk there once we get home and get it," he offered and the other blond nodded in agreement. He pulled into the driveway and parked the SUV, turning it off and climbing out.

"I'll be back," he said to them before making his way down the sidewalk to Charlotte's house. Piper waved him off and was about to open her door when it suddenly opened on its own. She blinked in surprise before noticing Jasper there holding the door for her. A faint blush grew on her cheeks as she gave him a smile as she climbed out.

"Thanks," she said softly and he nodded in response as he closed the door behind her and locked the car. He walked her up to the front door and she took out her keys to unlock it, her palms oddly feeling clammy now with Jasper so close to her. She took in a deep breath and looked at him with a small grin. "I guess I owe you a beer, huh?" He grinned a little and chuckled as she opened the door, the two of them going inside.

"Yeah, you better be grateful I didn't throw you in the water like I was contemplating," he replied and she gasped dramatically. She turned to face him as she walked backwards towards the stairs.

"You'd throw sweet little old me into the ocean?!" Her mouth fell open in mimicked innocence as she placed her hands on her chest. He raised an unimpressed eyebrow before laughing.

"Sweet?! Piper, how can you lie like that so close to the blessed day of Thanksgiving?" She smirked and shrugged her shoulders as she walked up the stairs backwards. The back of her sandal caught the edge of one of the steps and she yelped a little as her body almost flew backward. Her arms flailed in an attempt to stop her fall before she suddenly felt a pair of strong hands around her waist. Jasper held her firmly and pulled her body close to his own, his arms protectively winding around her waist as her arms instinctively flew around his neck.

"Whoa, careful…" he warned her with a soft voice. His blue eyes scanned her quickly to make sure she wasn't injured somehow before they finally met her eyes. She inhaled sharply as she stared at him, realizing just how close their faces were but unable to pull away from him. Mainly because he still had his arms around her but also because she didn't really want to. She giggled nervously (where did that come from?) and bit down on her bottom lip. She noticed his eyes flick down to her lips briefly and she felt goosebumps develop all over her body.

"T-thank you…I have to remember I can't go up the stairs backward," she said with a soft chuckle before swallowing the lump in her throat. A shiver ran down her spine as he licked his lips softly before he nodded in agreement. He took it upon himself to simply lift her up a little and carry her up the rest of the steps, setting her down on her feet once they reached the top. She giggled a little and pulled her arms away from his neck as he let go of her waist.

"You know," she started and cleared her throat, "I was invited to help kick off the Thanksgiving parade tomorrow. Wanna be my plus one? As a thank you for making sure I didn't break my neck on the stairs and since I owe you for the beer." He blinked in surprise before smiling a little.

"You really want to invite me? Not one of your friends?" he asked and she waved him off dismissively.

"I was gonna invite Marla but I don't really care. You can be my escort," she replied with a hopeful smile. Once they reached her bedroom, she leaned against the door and looked at him as she awaited his answer. He nodded with a nonchalant shrug.

"Alright, I'll go with you." She smiled brightly but quickly looked down, trying to calm her smile down and suppress her need to giggle excitedly. She took in a deep breath and steadied herself before looking at him again.

"Great! We have to be there by 8 am, okay? So wake up early," she instructed him.

"Got it. Goodnight, Piper," he said as he took a step back. She was about to say goodnight as well when she remembered that she had his jacket. She took it off of her shoulders and handed it to him, biting down on her lower lip as she hesitated for a moment then leaned in to press a tender kiss to his cheek as he moved closer to grab it. This clearly caught him off guard as he all but jumped away from her and stared at her with wide eyes. She simply smiled a little and opened her bedroom door.

"Night, Jasper," she said softly before slipping into her bedroom and closing the door behind her. She squealed a little and covered her face with her hands, sliding down the door until she reached the floor. Her heart pounded against her chest a million miles a minute and she couldn't fight the big smile on her face. It was such an odd yet exhilarating feeling.

Meanwhile, Charlotte sighed heavily when she finally got home and instantly made her way up the stairs and to her bedroom. Jasmine and Tati questioned her on what happened but she just told them she didn't want to talk about it that night and really wanted to get to bed. She slipped into her bedroom and leaned against the door, sighing heavily as she stood in the darkness. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the relative silence, managing to tune out the muffled voices of her friends and the opening and closings of their doors.

This is stupid. She shouldn't have felt so guilty. She and Henry broke up, they said awful things to each other, they hurt each other. It was his choice to stay single and she wasn't wrong to move on. She knew all of that yet she still felt so heavy. She didn't know how to process this at all. She kept thinking and wondering about so many things. What if she called him? What if she went back during one of her breaks? What if she changed her mind and went back to him instead of going to school? Would things have been different? Maybe she would've been engaged to him instead, maybe they would even be married by now. That idea made her heart ache like never before.

Gentle knocking on her window made her gasp and tense up as she was startled out of her thoughts. She kept still for a few moments, wondering if it was just her tree branch brushing against the window again when another knock confirmed that it must've been someone there. She flicked on the lights and made her way to the window, pulling the curtains aside and being met with Henry's face on the other side of the window. She let out a sigh of relief and opened the window, shivering when a rush of cool air entered the warm bedroom.

"What are you doing here?" she asked quietly as she stepped aside as he climbed into the bedroom. He grunted a little and carefully climbed in before wiping some dirt off of his hands.

"I came to get my jacket," he stated simply and she raised an eyebrow.

"You could've come through the front door, Hen."

"What's the fun in that?" he teased and she rolled her eyes with a grin tugging at her lips. She grabbed his jacket from a hook beside her closet door and handed it to him. He thanked her and draped it over his arm, standing there awkwardly as he hesitated over what he wanted to say. She folded her arms in an attempt to keep herself warm as she looked at him curiously.

"Are you okay, Henry?" she asked softly and he nodded his head. A faint smile appeared on his lips before he bit down on his lower lip. I'm supposed to be asking you that.

"Yeah…" he breathed out and looked at her. "It's just…you got quiet at the beach after what I told you. Are you okay?" Charlotte swallowed heavily and walked over to the window again, sliding it shut when the cold air got to be too much. She made her way over to her bed and sat on the corner.

"It's just that…when we broke up, you said you were going to date as many girls that you could…"

"I was just saying that to hurt you because I was upset," he explained.

"I know, I get that." She looked up at him. "But I held onto that for so long to convince myself that I didn't need you, that I did the right thing not caving into you and doing what I wanted. I knew you'd find someone else quickly because…well, you're Henry Hart! Girls always want you." A cocky grin spread onto his face and he chuckled a little, causing her expression to fall into an unamused grimace.

"You're right, I am a stud," he commented and she shot him a disinterested look.

"Anyway, I told myself that you were fine and you didn't miss me, so I could move on and live my life. But now I know it wasn't like that at all…how am I supposed to process that? Did I make a mistake? Should I have stayed?"

"No," he answered quickly. He took her hand and pulled her up, gently rubbing the back of her hand with his thumb. "You had every right to make the choice you did and I don't resent you for choosing your education. It's what you always wanted to do and it wasn't fair of me to demand you stay in Dystopia. And if you did date people, I don't care. We were both single."

"But you-"

"I chose to stay single," he interrupted as he looked into her chocolate brown eyes. "I…you…" He licked his lips nervously and shook his head, his heart pounding as he thought of the right words to say. "You were the love of my life, Charlotte." Her breath hitched in her throat as she heard the words spoken by such a soft and vulnerable voice. She wasn't used to seeing Henry like this. It almost scared her.

"Henry…" she breathed out, her chest tightening and tears welling up in her eyes. He shook his head and let go of her hand, holding her arms instead as he met her gaze again.

"You were the love of my life. I couldn't see myself with anyone but you, no one made me feel the way you did. You made me so happy, Char, it's like you completed me and when you left…it's like I wasn't whole anymore. I became a broken shell of who I once was. I didn't want another relationship or another girl, I just wanted and needed you. You were the love of my life…you are the love of my life. I still love you."

Charlotte's heart felt like it was going to explode. She truly never expected him to say anything like that. She settled with the idea that they were over, that he didn't want her anymore, and that they weren't meant to be together. But just like before, he turned that idea on its head and told her she was all wrong. She was wrong about so much. She didn't know what to say but he didn't need her to say anything. He just needed her again. He hesitated for a moment before leaning in slightly. When she didn't pull away, he closed the space between them and pressed their lips together in a slow yet passionate kiss. She let out a shaky breath and hesitated before placing her hand on the back of his neck and holding him close as she returned the kiss.

His lips were soft, gentle, and oh so comforting. She relished in the familiarity of them and how their lips meshed together so perfectly. He dropped his jacket carelessly and wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her body close to his own as if he was scared she'd run away again. He never wanted to lose her again, he never wanted to go so long without having her lips on his. She was perfect for him.

His tongue found its way into her mouth and a soft moan left her. She felt goosebumps litter her skin as his calloused hands slowly caressed her waist and the tips of his fingers slipped underneath her top. Her hands slid down from his neck and down to his chest, rubbing over the soft fabric of the flannel he wore. Their lips continued to move together in sync, rife with passion and the years of yearning the two held for each other. As her hands continued to roam over his strong chest, he unbuttoned his shirt and slipped it off of his shoulders, and then let it fall from his arms onto the floor. His hands quickly returned to her waist and he lifted her up easily, earning a small squeak of surprise from her as her legs wrapped around him.

Their bodies pressed together tightly as they fell onto her bed, easily lost in each other and the bliss of being together once again. It felt as if no time had passed, they knew each other's bodies so well. Henry knew the places she enjoyed being kissed and touched, Charlotte knew where to nibble on his skin and how to make his toes curl. They enjoyed the new things they discovered about each other as well. She easily sent chills down his spine as she kissed over his tattoos and he was pleasantly surprised to find her nipples pierced (they both had a lot of fun with that). Drunk on lust and each other, the two happily melted away into the night and relished in becoming one once again.

Tatiana slowly blinked her eyes open before squeezing them shut again in an attempt to go back to sleep. She sighed heavily after a few minutes passed and her body told her it was time to wake up. She slowly peeled her eyes open again and rubbed them gently before grabbing her phone to check the time. 7 am. She sighed in frustration and turned onto her back as she stared up at the ceiling. She hated waking up early but something about being in Swellview, in this house, made her unable to sleep in the way she usually wanted to.

She finally sat up and got out of bed, stretching with a groan before removing her bonnet and letting her curls fall down her shoulders and back. She turned to the nightstand and opened the drawer, grabbing an already prepared blunt and her lighter. She left the bedroom and went across the hall to the room Jasmine was in, opening the door as she was sure the woman was already up. Just as she assumed, she was in the middle of the room practicing her morning yoga like she always did. She didn't even flinch when the door opened, already knowing it was her rude roommate.

"You're up early," she commented with a sly grin, knowing the older woman was struggling to sleep in since they arrived. Tatiana rolled her eyes.

"I'm gonna go out and smoke," she said simply before closing the door and walking down the hallway to Charlotte's room. She knew she was probably up already as well and preparing to go on her morning run. She couldn't help but snicker a little to herself. Charlotte and Jasmine were such overachievers in her mind. What was the use in waking up at the crack of dawn to work out when they could just sleep in and do it at a normal time? She would never understand. Not bothering to knock, she opened Charlotte's door.

"Hey, I'm- oh-" She paused when instead of seeing Charlotte up and in her athletic clothes, she was met with the sight of her still in bed laying on Henry's chest. While they were haphazardly covered by the blanket on the bed, their bare legs tangled together, clothes carelessly tossed all over the floor, and the interesting smell in the room told her all she needed to know. She pursed her lips together in a firm line and closed the door slowly and quietly.

She stood there for a few moments, idly cracking some of her knuckles as she allowed what she just saw to settle in. Truthfully, she should've been happy or excited. Charlotte clearly cared a lot about Henry even if she didn't want to admit it. But she felt weird. A little bit pressed, a little annoyed, and a lot irritated because she knew what Jasmine's reaction would be. But there was no need to feel that way. She was there for Charlotte.

Perfect little Charlotte who always got everything she ever wanted.

She rolled her eyes and simply went downstairs with her jaw tight and her hold tight on her blunt. She needed this smoke more than ever.

Inside her bedroom, Charlotte stirred slowly as the sunlight hit her face. She squeezed her eyes shut tightly to try and keep the sun out but finally relented and opened her eyes slowly. As her vision slowly cleared, she was met with the sight of Henry stirring as well. She smiled softly to herself as the memories of last night flooded her thoughts, her hand gently caressing his strong chest. He yawned and rubbed his eyes tiredly before he looked down at her and smiled softly.

"Good morning," he mumbled with his voice gravely and rough from sleep. She found it so sexy. She pressed a gentle kiss to his lips and let out a pleased sigh.

"Morning," she replied with a relaxed smile. They laid together comfortably and enjoyed tender kisses, whispering sweet nothings to each other before Henry finally grabbed his phone to check the time. He sighed, knowing he would have to go home soon and help prepare for the holiday dinner. Charlotte knew she had to do the same.

"I should go before your mom catches me in here and kills me," he said with a soft chuckle. She nodded and kissed his cheek gently before sliding off of him and letting him get up. The sight of his bare butt made her giggle and he looked at her over his shoulder. "What's so funny, Page?"

"Cute butt," she commented and he laughed in response. He shook his head and found his clothes, getting dressed quickly then climbing back onto the bed to kiss her lips again. He adored those lips so much.

"I'll see you later, yeah?" She nodded and propped her head up onto her palm.

"Yeah, see you at dinner tonight," she said. He winked at her and sent her a kiss before getting up again and going to the window. He opened it and climbed out carefully, waving a final time before closing the window and disappearing from her eyesight.

She sighed happily and laid on her back. Last night definitely wasn't planned and she had no idea what she was going to do now. She absolutely hated that. She loved planning and knowing what to do in the future. But when it came to Henry, he always changed her plans and had a way of turning her life on its head. She had to figure out what she was going to do and do it quickly.

At the Hart residence, Henry climbed up the tree ladder and repeatedly tapped on the window to get Jasper's attention. Much to his surprise, the blue eyed man was already awake and opened the window, eyeing Henry suspiciously as he climbed into his bedroom. The blond quickly closed his window and rubbed his cold palms together as the other walked down the steps.

"Where the fuck were you?" he asked and Henry couldn't help the wide grin that was on his face. He looked at his friend and shrugged his shoulders.

"I went to get my jacket…" It hit him then that he had actually forgotten his jacket there and he couldn't help but laugh. Jasper stared at him in confusion as he pulled on his sweater. Then he realized just where he was and he almost didn't believe it. He furrowed his eyebrows together as he looked his friend over.

"Tati?" he inquired and Henry scoffed.

"What? No," he answered as he jogged down the stairs and went to his bed, plopping down onto it. The other stared at him in a mix of disbelief and shock.

"Charlotte?!" The short haired blond couldn't help the face splitting grin that spread onto his face. He nodded his head and Jasper chortled in disbelief.

"All night dude, it was fucking incredible," Henry said with a satiated sigh. "You know, her nipples are pierced now. Fucking amazing..."

"Holy shit! So you two are back together?"

"Maybe? We didn't really talk about that…I guess we will tonight at dinner." He placed his hands behind his head and watched as Jasper continued to get himself ready. "Where are you going?"

"Piper asked me to join her at the Thanksgiving parade today," he answered as he strapped his watch to his wrist. Henry raised a curious eyebrow at that answer.

"She invited you? Not her friends? Not even me?"

"Well, you were too busy getting your dick wet last night so I guess she settled on me," he shot back and the other snorted. He sat up and pulled off his shirt, tossing it aside then laying back again.

"Whatever. Better you than me, I'm gonna catch up on some sleep anyway," he said as he closed his eyes. But before he could even settle down fully, his door swung open and his father barged in excitedly. Henry opened one eye and sighed as he saw him dressed and wearing a football helmet, a football bouncing excitedly in his hands.

"Oh God," he sighed but Jake had his eyes trained on Jasper.

"Jasp! Let's toss the ol' pigskin in the backyard for the holiday!" he offered excitedly. Jasper shot a quizzical look to Henry who had closed both of his eyes again. He sighed and looked at Mr. Hart with an apologetic look.

"Sorry Mr. H, I'm taking Piper to the parade." At this, Jake also seemed a little surprised.

"She invited you? She told me she couldn't bring anyone…" Jasper inhaled sharply then shrugged his shoulders.

"Guess things changed! Bye, see you later!" He quickly left the room to avoid having to talk to him anymore. The older Hart man sighed in defeat then turned to his son, clapping his hands together once.

"Come on Henry!"

"No."

"Come on! It's Thanksgiving tradition!" he whined and Henry sighed. He opened his eyes and looked at his father.

"I'm not tossing a football back and forth at 7 in the morning! Dad, I'm tired!" He turned his back to him but he continued to pester him about playing. He went on and on about how his mother was busy, Piper didn't like him, and he was just so lonely. After a while, Henry finally relented and agreed to play. As his father cheered and excitedly left his room, he shook his head and chuckled to himself.

There really was no place like home.

A/N: Another surprise mid week update! I'm a big fan of this chapter and felt that it may be a favorite of yours too so I decided to share it early. Thank you for the reviews, favorites, and follows, and thank you for reading!