There [thair] adverb

1. In or at that place.

The scene included a contemporary living room, a dwindling bottle of white wine, and two laughing friends, lounging on the rug and reconnecting in a way that they hadn't in years.

"Good wine," Carly breathed through her laughter.

Freddie reigned in his chuckles for a brief moment. "Well, it's no pitcher of margaritas, but…"

"Oh, ha ha," she retorted sarcastically. "If it hadn't been for that bold voicemail, we wouldn't be here now."

"Well, you're right about that," he conceded with a warm smile. "Remind me one day to play it back for you. It was…interesting."

"Is that all it was?" she dared to ask, meeting his eyes with her own. "Interesting?"

He thought for a second while he toyed with the rim of his wine glass. "No, not just interesting. It was…welcome. Wanted. Rewarding. What I've dreamed of you saying ever since we broke up…only with less alcohol and considerably less clothing."

Carly laughed boisterously once again. "Well, repeating myself now wouldn't do much to satisfy that fantasy, considering how much wine I've had." She waved her empty glass for emphasis. She waited for his clever reply, but was only met with a warm gaze and a serene half-smile.

"I've missed you," he revealed quietly.

The sincerity in his voice stole her breath momentarily. "We've hung out a lot in the past few years, Freddie," she reasoned.

"I know, but not …" he gestured back and forth vaguely between the two of them in attempts to get her to understand without using so many words. "Still. I've missed you."

Carly exhaled slowly, understanding his meaning entirely. She had felt the same way. "I missed you, too. So much."

With that, Freddie put his glass down, leaned forward, and gently cupped her face as he placed a lingering kiss on her smiling lips. In that moment, she didn't dote on their future or dwell on their past. In that moment, she was just delighted to be there.

Their [thair] pronoun

1. A form of the possessive case of 'they.'

"I know it's just above what you both were looking to spend," the realtor approached carefully, her voice reverberating in the empty house, "but if you think about the cost versus how much space you'd be getting, it really is a steal. A corner lot in a neighborhood like this would typically go for about seventeen percent more than what the owner is asking for."

Freddie nodded slowly, considering the realtor's pitch. He tried to look over at his wife's face to gauge her reaction. Instead, he found her gazing out the sliding glass door facing the spacious backyard. He walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her waist from behind.

"Carly bear?"

"We could set up a tire swing there," she said with a nod of her chin towards the large, sturdy tree. "Ooh, and we can get one of those nice tents when we host barbecues and stuff."

Freddie smirked at her excitement. "So that's why we should buy? For the swing and the rocking parties?" He eased his teasing with a quick kiss on her shoulders.

She giggled and shook her head. "No, not for the parties. We should buy it because it's ours. I know it."

He knew she was right. It was their home. Without letting her go, he turned to the hopeful realtor. "Alright. Let's make an offer."

They're [thair]

1. Contraction of 'they are.'

They are friends. Best friends.

They are trying to make it out of high school, semi-unscathed.

They are still figuring out their relationship, though they are both beginning to get the idea.

They are still doing that thing where he looks at her longingly, then quickly looks away when she looks at him, hoping not to get caught. She does the same thing, too. It's hilarious.

During the rare moments when she really misses her dad (and at times, her mom) and he's upset about his mother and lack of a father figure, they are immensely grateful for each other.

They are getting used to the teasing pet names from Sam: lovebirds, kissy cats, snuggle nuggets…

They are happiest when they are alone in the studio, watching a movie and cuddled up on the bean bag chair.

They are just fine with the current status of their bond and will officially come out as a couple when they are good and ready, thankyoueversokindly.

With Sam, they are a trio. Without her, they are Creddie, which typically elicits an "awww" from her and a loving eye roll from him.

They are the best versions of them whenever they are around each other, which is exactly why they are so drawn to each other.

In short…they are awesome.

A/N: This was a little fluff-tastic. I realize this. I don't know if I should apologize for that or pat myself on the back.

Thanks for those who are reading this story! In addition, thanks to those who are reading iHit the Open Road II! I've felt like the reader activity has trickled down lately, so it's nice to see some still interested. It keeps the stories alive, so I appreciate you all devoting your time to read and especially review.

Please review the story, if you can! I would really appreciate it, obviously. Hope you are all doing well! Have a great holiday

Hollaatchyagirl,

Phunky