A/N: Songs referred to: 'Dream of a lifetime' Lillian Axe (1988)
'Save your love' Great White (1987)
It was 07:45 a.m. on December 31, 2043, and a frosty winter's morning in the medium-sized hamlet of Royal Woods, wherein snow lay thick upon the streets…
The camera zooms in to a room in the upper part of the Lannerbäck mansion, revealing a teenager to be sitting on her bed, talking with a younger girl, who just so happened to be her cousin;
"So… Léna, when do you plan on telling that boy you go to school with that you have feelings for him?" Linnéa, who donned an emerald green slip dress, asked her cousin.
Marléna looked up, startled "At the party tonight, why?" She wore a sapphire blue ruffled blouse and midnight blue tight jeans.
"Has Onkel Eddie met him yet, who is he?" Linnéa continued with the interrogation.
Marléna nodded, her eyes sparkling "Far has met him and approved of us being together wholeheartedly since my prospective boyfriend is the adoptive son of Luna Loud and Sam Sharp…" She paused as her cousin's eyes widened in excitement
"What?! No way, the eclipse band is one of my fave artists, my first concert was seeing them for my birthday present last year down in our hometown."
Marléna smirked at her cousin's expression "He's actually in a band himself, with his siblings and friends… Let's see: There's…" she would've continued, if someone hadn't knocked on her bedroom door, she sighed, and padded over to answer it.
A girl of almost thirteen stood on the threshold, smiling politely at her sister.
"Are you keen for the party tonight?" Astrid asked, and then her smile morphed to one of mischief. "Are you gonna tell him how you feel?"
A fierce blush exploded across Marléna's face "Yeah, I'm not sure if it's mutual though… guess I'll find out."
Her sister giggled "Does he have a younger brother by any chance?"
Marléna nodded and smirked "Ja, but you should really be asking that of our bror if you want more details, since he's friends with him. That dress suits you Asti." She commented, looking at the gown her younger sibling wore… peach in color, with off white details.
Astrid smiled "Thank you, which of our brors do I ask the question to, by the way?"
"Karl. Ughhh, Far will have his work cut out trying to keep Gus and Stellan from causing their usual trouble, and Tony is, much to his chagrin, getting spoiled by Mor-Far."
Astrid nodded, and exited the room, as it would turn out, her older brother's room was just across the hall from their sister's.
Like before, her brother opened it, a confused look on his face.
"Asti, what's up?" KK asked, he was dressed in a dark gray singlet and cargo pants.
"Karl, you know your friend from school, what's his name?" She asked.
"Robbin, why?" He answered, a little confused by his sister's question - then he saw the blush creeping upon his sister's face and smirked "Oh, is it possible you've got a crush on my buddy?"
"Possibly…" Astrid giggled, and the red suffused her cheeks.
"Oh boy, this mushy love stuff makes me sick, I'm outta here!" Andy commented, getting up to leave the room.
KK and Astrid chuckled in unison at their cousin's reaction.
"I don't know how to approach your friend though, he's even shyer than you are." Astrid sighed, "He's soo handsome and tall and…"
KK sighed "Right sis, I get the picture, but shouldn't you be helping Mom and Aunty Crista with preparing the food?"
"Oh, right, I completely forgot!" The preteen skedaddled from her brother's bedroom, and went downstairs into the kitchen,
Her mother greeted her first "Ah, Asti, I see you have finally decided to give me and your aunt a hand."
"Mom, I'm about to tell you something, but you mustn't tell Far… he's likely to react negatively, since he's barely used to the fact he's no longer the favorite male in Marléna's world…" Astrid began, glancing over at her mother and Aunty nervously.
"What is it, Sweetheart?" Grace asked her daughter, dark blue eyes glinting mischievously.
"Well, you see I may have my first crush already… on Marléna's boyfriend's bror, and not his twin, but KK's best friend."
"He's such a nice boy, he doesn't talk too much, he and your brother are very similar, I'm sure your father wouldn't…" Her mother trailed off, as an outside voice broke into the conversation:
"You're sure I wouldn't mind what?" A velvety baritone voice asked, and Astrid squeaked in response, turning her head to find her father to be standing in the kitchen doorway, a frown on his face.
"Nothing Far; Nothing." Astrid chirped, but her father's frown only deepened, and he looked confusedly at his wife.
"Grace?" He asked, turning to her, "Why is Astrid acting this way toward me all of a sudden?"
Grace just shook her head, grinning at her husband mischievously.
The day dragged on, and at the house of Luna & Sam, Chris was busy preparing to impress Marléna;
"Come on man, you've been in there for an hour and a half." Greg complained from behind the door; "what the heck are you doing in there anyhow?"
Chris frowned at his reflection again and yelled back at his twin, rolling his eyes "Getting ready to wow my girlfriend, what else?!"
Greg's tone turned to one of envy "Whatever Marléna sees in you, I'll never know."
Chris whirled around, and after a final glance at his reflection, and finally being satisfied with his hair and outfit, which was similar to his everyday outfit, except his usual long sleeve shirt was replaced with a mid-green formal blouse, with a collar and cuffs which matched his vest, dark blue-gray formal pants and black loafers, walked out of the bathroom.
"She told me she likes a tough one to crack, and that I'm very similar to her younger cousin in temperament." He calmly explained, grinning.
"Greg, you really shoulda quit trying to get her attention a few weeks ago." A different voice interjected, and both boys turned, only to find their younger brother to be standing in the hall outside the bedroom they still shared.
"Shut the fuck up, Robbin!" Greg growled at the lighter haired male, glaring at him.
"You're only upset because our brother is right." Chris pointed out, "Bro, there's honestly no reason for you to be trying to win her, you know she's chosen me, she's made it clear she's not interested in you at all."
Greg huffed, and walked into the bathroom, in order to change for the engagement that evening, his outfit was comprised of a black coat, with a dark blue dress shirt (with a grayish black collar and cuffs), gray pants and black sneakers.
Brushing his hair one more time, he stepped out of the bathroom, and walked out his bedroom, descending the stairs to join his family:
Robbin stood beside their Mum and wore black leather shoes, a spring green blouse (with a magenta collar and cuffs), his favorite bluish-gray headband, and taupe suit pants.
"Look who put a little effort into his appearance for once." Greg snidely commented.
His twin reappeared, the vest now exchanged for his leather biker jacket, the loafers replaced with leather motorcycle boots.
Greg scoffed "That's gonna really piss off her father, nice goin' dumbass."
Chris narrowed his eyes "I've picked her up for a date on my bike before, both her parents were cool with it, her Mom said her Dad did that a few times while they dated." He added, chuckling to himself.
Greg looked shocked, and so did most of his immediate family who were present.
Luna suddenly laughed raucously "I heard rumors Eddie Lannerbäck was quite wild as a youth… I happened to cross paths with his father in the grocery store the other day, Marléna bears a striking resemblance to her Grandfather, even if she has Tom's family's coloring, she inherited his face shape."
"Oh yeah, I forgot Eddie Lannerbäck was married to my younger cousin… I also saw him and another dude that looked a lot like him… it could've been his brother, but I wasn't completely sure." Sam added thoughtfully.
Chris paused at the door and smirked; "That would've been Mr. Lannerbäck's older brother and business partner, Marléna told me that she has a cousin who looks extremely similar to her, but there are small differences between them. And Greg, leave our brother alone, it's not like you had a reason to put the same effort into your appearance as I did mine, Marléna was never even the slightest bit interested in you."
Greg glared at his twin, "Maybe that cousin of hers would like me…" he added hopefully.
Chris shook his head "Marléna has likely warned her that you will try and woo her." He chuckled, and exited the house to collect his motorcycle.
"Ooh, at least I'll have a new playmate or two…." Roxy spoke up, she wore a lavender silk blouse, paired with a dusty rose pleated skirt, and light green kitten heels.
"Robbin?" She asked her youngest older brother "Does Daniel's cousin have any siblings or other cousins?"
Robbin smiled at his sister, "Yeah, she's got a brother named Tony, he's probably about your age, he's real close with Dan's brother Jeff though, and apparently his paternal grandmother spoils him, because he's just like Marléna, KK, and their other siblings' dad was as a boy."
"Tessa is gonna be so jealous of Marléna, but I think by now JJ's warned her off hanging around Chris." Greg added.
They all headed to the car, and Roxy climbed into her car seat, and Robbin sat on the other side.
Greg went to his Cadillac and settled himself in the driver's seat.
Marléna stood on her front lawn, carefully observing her youngest brother and cousin so they didn't cause their usual trouble, when she heard a familiar motorcycle engine getting louder as a certain someone approached. Marléna had changed into a midnight blue blouse (with a turquoise lace collar and cuffs), jeans and dark blue sneakers.
She nudged her cousin "Linnéa? Can you watch the 'devious duo' for me?, a special guest is arriving"
Linnéa nodded, knowing exactly who her almost-sister cousin meant when she said that.
Chris rode up the driveway, and slowed as he saw the girl he felt so deeply for speeding towards him.
He idled his bike and met her halfway, embracing her tightly.
"Good evening, my darling." He huskily whispered into her ear.
"You should come up to my room now!" Marléna giggled, reaching for Chris's hand.
"Why?" He asked, and she blushed.
"I've got something to tell you, and I'm pretty sure you already know what it is!" She teased, and he laughed, nodding his head.
The two entered the kitchen/dining area, and Chris greeted her parents.
"Hey Mr. and Mrs. Lannerbäck, how are you doing this evening?"
Grace and Eddie both smiled warmly at the youth "Just fine, Christopher," Eddie answered, but then raised an eyebrow "Where's the rest of your family?"
Chris shrugged casually "Uh, they'll be here in a bit, I have to say Marléna was right about your niece being almost identical to her."
"Those two have a similar age difference to the one between my bror and I, and are as close as we were growing up." Eddie explained, as a very similar looking, slightly older male approached, grinning slyly at him.
"And you must be the Chris my niece is always talking of…" Joey said, offering the boy his hand, which Chris shook. "Well it's great to finally meet you, son."
Just then, the sound of a car pulling up in the driveway reached their ears, and a white shadow blurred past them.
"Katja Lannerbaäck!" Grace chastized her youngest child "Greet your sister's boyfriend, it's only polite"
The little girl paused, with a pout on her lips and whined "Mooommmm, I don't wanna!!!"
"She's only acting like that because she thinks Genette has come with Uncle Tom and his family, when in reality she and Josie elected to stay with Gran and Gramps Ferrier." Marléna whispered to Chris, who chuckled under his breath.
Five minutes later, Tom, Maxine, Jayden, Dan, Jeff, and Alex appeared on the porch.
"Hey there Aunt Maxine and Uncle Tom, what's changed since we moved from your house to ours?" Marléna greeted her Aunt and Uncle.
"Not too much, honey." Maxine answered "Though we're thinking of enrolling Alex in piano lessons."
Marléna turned her eyes on her second youngest cousin "You keen for them, little dude?"
Alex smiled shyly at his older cousin. "Yes, do you think Astrid would teach me?"
Marléna shrugged, "Maybe, but Asti has her heart on something or rather someone else…" She trailed off, and winked at the handsome youth at her side.
Even though Chris didn't know for sure, he had a fair idea what his girlfriend meant and asked "Your sister's got a crush on my brother, hasn't she?"
Marléna nodded in affirmation "Ja, She has fallen head over heels for Robbin, I know this; because every time he was over here working on a project with KK, she would watch him from the other side of the room with a fierce blush on her face, and puppy dog eyes. It's adorable really, but your brother is so shy, he probably doesn't know she exists."
Chris grinned "Robbin has noticed it, he confided that in me… he said "She's so pretty and cute… but I don't think there's a chance it's mutual, but brother, I really dig her.""
"Oh, Asti?" Marléna sweetly called for her sister, who appeared at the top of the stairs, dressed in a lavender silk gown (which made her seem so grownup), a lilac short jacket, with misty purple kitten heels.
"What is it, dearest sister?" She asked, a curious look in her eyes.
"It appears your crush may like you… a lot." Marléna stated, watching as the surprise radiated upon the face of her younger sister.
"What? How would you possibly know that?" She asked, a faint blush apparent on her cheeks, in the meantime she had descended the stairs, and stood feet away from the young couple.
"Well, I am dating his brother, the one who he is closest with, despite the vast difference in temperament." Marléna rolled her eyes, and Chris squeezed her hand affectionately.
"I thought you were showing me to your bedroom… is that suddenly off the cards?" He teased, pressing a gentle kiss to her cheek.
Marléna giggled "Oh no, I plan to resume doing so… right now, even." She added, and smiling winsomely, she pulled him in the direction of the stairs, and then they disappeared up them.
They soon entered her bedroom and she gestured to a chair which sat under the picture window on the opposite side of the room:
"Why don't you take a seat…" She purred, almost seductively.
Chris smirked, and went over to the other side of the room; settling himself in the chair, he beckoned to her with his finger "Come here then, darling." He whispered, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Marléna approached him deftly, gently sitting in front of her boyfriend, looking up at him with adoration in her eyes.
"Christopher John Loud-Sharp, I love you with my entire being, and I just want to know whether you'll ever, you know…." Marléna began, but soon averted her gaze, looking down.
Chris reached out, tilted her chin upwards and looked into her eyes deeply. "Whether I ever will… what?" He asked.
"Lose interest in me, and want another girl." Marléna murmured, then her face crumbled, as a few tears escaped her eyes.
Chris shook his head, and with a gentle fingertip, wiped the tears from her cheeks. "Sweetheart, there's no chance in hell of that happening, for I love you too, you're my soulmate, it's strange that, at 16, we've both already found our life partner in one another, isn't it?" He asked, and Marléna nodded - then the realisation hit her and her eyebrows went up.
"Wait, did my ears just deceive me, or are you saying you love me as well?" She asked, and she leaned in so her lips were mere inches from Chris's.
Chris chuckled, and kissed her lips gently, "No, I love you with all my heart, Marléna Ingrid Lannerbäck, I've loved you since the very first moment we met… but I thought myself foolish a moment, for even believing you would truly love someone like me, I somehow assumed you'd prefer my twin or perhaps even JJ, though you'd always been saying you only had feelings for me, I guess I just didn't want to believe it."
She leant in closer, so the warmth of her breath brushed just below his ear "You should have had more faith in me, because you knew I never showed any interest in your twin brother, and Jeremy I only viewed as a friend, I could always trust Dan, so he was the only one truly aware of my feelings for you, he's the cousin I'm closest with… after Linnéa, that is." She smiled at him.
Chris sighed "I just hope Greg finally notices Chelsea, before she decides to reroute her affections to being for Thor."
Marléna rolled her eyes. "Thor has just about every other girl hanging on his every word, so Chelsea has even less of a chance of Thor noticing her than your brother."
Chris brushed away a strand of hair which had fallen into her eyes and kissed her again, this time more passionately, and she fell on his lap, and lay her head on his shoulder.
"Aww, you guys… that's so cute." A sarcastic sounding new voice cut the air, and they jumped apart, and Marléna turned, only to find a smirking Tony to be hovering uncertainly on the threshold.
"There you are, Champ, I see you've finally freed yourself from Mor-Far's clutches." She replied, winking knowingly at her little brother; who was in a gunmetal formal blouse (with an azure collar and cuffs), jeans, and red and black sneakers.
Another voice added laughingly "Uncle Eddie's Mom has zeroed in on Gunnar now, since he's the baby of the family." and Jeff appeared, dressed in his usual outfit.
Marléna smirked at her cousin "So, have the De Martini's arrived yet?, I would like to introduce Jeremy to Linnéa, I think they would be suited to one another."
Chris playfully threw an elbow into her side "Why are you playing matchmaker all of a sudden?" He asked, as she played with his hair.
"That's just how my syster is." Tony answered, rolling his eyes as he stepped into the room, Jeff following him.
"Dad's gonna lose his cool once Josie gets fixated on boys, which is probably gonna be soon, seeing as she's almost a teenager." Jeff said.
"I'm surprised Dan hasn't expressed interest in girls yet… oh, wait… he's pretty interested in Thor's cousin Günhilde." Marléna added thoughtfully.
"She's always got her hair so elaborately braided, and there are quite a few of the girls who haven't realized the two of them are cousins - and so are quite jealous of their closeness." Chris mused.
Just then they heard the sound of someone running up the stairs and Tessa appeared in the hall, her eyes hot on Chris.
"Who's that, honey?" She asked, barging into the room uninvited and attaching herself to his side, all the while glaring at Marléna.
"My girlfriend, shrimp! Leave me the hell alone! hasn't your brother told you to back off yet!!" Chris growled, detaching himself and stepping towards Marléna, wrapping an arm around her waist.
"Oh, you must be Jeremy's little sister, right? Well it's uhhh… nice to meet you?" Marléna awkwardly stated, eyeing the younger girl with uncertainty apparent in her eyes.
Tessa, having finally realized Chris had never viewed her as anything more than his sister's annoying best friend, who he'd only tolerated since he was best friends with her brother - sniffed "Well maybe her brother could suffice…"
Marléna stared angrily at the younger girl "KK wouldn't bother with you, since Marisol Reyes, the daughter of the owner of a local dance school - likes him very much, and though my bror won't admit it, he likes her too." She explained.
Tessa finally noticed the room's other occupants and decided to be coy,
"You two are handsome… So, do either of you want the honor of dating me?" She asked, cocking her head to the left in attempts to look endearing.
Jeff stayed silent and shook his head, looking coldly at the older girl, while Tony spoke acidly to her "No, you're a psycho! And you acted like you had some claim on my syster's boyfriend's heart which you've never done, so go away!"
JJ appeared in the hall suddenly, glaring at his sister "Tessa! leave Chris the hell alone, I think I hear Roxy and the rest of Chris's family arriving, so you can play with her." And Tessa ran from the room and down the stairs.
Tony turned to the older boy, and grinned "Whew! Glad she's finally gone… So, that's your sister — how do you keep her under control, dude?"
JJ chuckled, sweeping some hair over his shoulder. "I've just learned to put up with her… I was Mom and Dad's only son for roughly five years, and when I was told I had a sibling on the way, I was mad, since I felt no one would pay attention to me anymore."
"I'd usually say that was too much information but Marléna reacted somewhat similar to the news that Mom was pregnant with our baby sister… You wanna explain sis?" He turned to his oldest sibling.
"Well, I was 7 or so and the previous Christmas our Far-Far's bror, Onkel Erik came, now he's a retired doctor and told me all about how adult relationships worked, and also it took awhile for the feminine form to recover from bearing a child and so on…" She trailed off, expecting disgust to be on the faces of the listeners, but instead they were vaguely interested. "Anyhow Mom had only just given birth to Gus and we were getting used to having two really young kids in the house, since this one here was just learning to run around the place…" She paused, winking at Tony who in turn looked a little embarrassed. " By the time he went back to Sweden, it was early April, and Mom took a test and told Dad she was expecting again… they had the whole family over for dinner, I think even the Ferrier side were present and I stood at the dining room door eavesdropping on the talks of the adults:
Far had cleared his throat officiously "I have an announcement to make, Grace and I are expecting again…"
All the adults fell silent, yet Far-Far's eyes fell on the small blond head that rested against his right shoulder and looked angrily at his younger son
"How could you Lars?! Gustave isn't even five months old yet!" He sternly told him.
"What were you thinking?! putting another kid in my little sister before she's recovered from the last one!" Uncle Tom exploded
"Newsflash, my bror is at times dense, and sometimes doesn't think." Onkel Joey interjected, chuckling and
rolling his eyes.
"Tom…." Aunt Maxine placated, trying to calm her slightly enraged husband, "Don't worry yourself too much… because," She said, and laid a hand on her burgeoning stomach.
Uncle Tom's expression changed to an excited smile, as he placed his hand atop Aunt Maxine's, his smile widening as he felt their unborn daughter kick solidly.
"I have the feeling you'll be getting a lecture from your brother-in-law and best friend because you might slip up and do the same." Mom finally spoke up in Far's defence, throwing her big brother a teasing smile.
"No I won't." My uncle hotly refuted.
I let out a shriek of shock, and fled to my room and slammed the door.
At that point the adults had taken notice of my presence:
"Jesus, Marléna heard our conversation!, Nice going bror, this isn't something a young kid should really hear!" Onkel Joey reprimanded Far.
"Well, at least none of the other children heard it." Far muttered.
Far-Far handed Gus to Gramps Ferrier "Well someone has to talk to her, and my younger son is in no position to do it himself." He explained, getting up to search for me.
He found me sat on my bed, playing idly with the fringes on the throw rug that lay on my bed.
"Léna?" He asked softly, using his special pet name for me, I had no idea at the time that as the firstborn grandkid I was his especial pet.
"Yes Far-Far?" I answered, lifting my head to look into the green eyes of my father's father.
"What's wrong?"
"Far shouldn't have gotten Mom pregnant again so soon… Onkel Erik told me stories of the difficulties old patients had endured when their spouses happened to do that very thing - I just don't wanna risk losing Mommy…" I sniffled, and Far-Far pulled me against his chest
"Sweetheart… you needn't fret so much, your mother is strong, and…" He trailed off, as I now looked annoyed. "That was so irresponsible of Far — Onkel Erik told me that quite a few of the patients did experience difficult pregnancies and deliveries with children that close together, I would hate it if Mommy was one of those cases." I concluded.
Far-Far shook his head, and smiled "My bror saw you as mature enough to understand things so complicated, and you did."
"I'm also fearful Mommy and Far will miss all of Gus's milestones… and Gus is only a baby, so he won't know." I added.
"Far?" A new voice entered the conversation, a concerned one at that too, and Far-Far glanced over to find his younger son standing in the hall outside my room.
"Yes, son?" He asked, green eyes meeting dark brown ones.
"Is Marléna okay, did I scare my little girl?"
"No, she's only concerned for her mother's wellbeing, apparently your Onkel explained to her how relationships worked while he was visiting at Christmas last year."
My Far furrowed his brow "I had no idea he was telling her that!" He exclaimed.
"Lèna, what's going on here?" A new voice, very sweet and feminine sounding, entered the conversation; heralding the entrance of a girl unfamiliar to JJ — Just from the smirk on his face, of course Chris knew who it was — he'd seen her standing alongside the beauty he had an arm around on the front lawn when he'd arrived.
JJ's throat suddenly tightened, as new feelings suddenly quelled from deep within him as he caught sight of the owner of the voice, Christ, she might as well be Marléna's twin, they looked so alike and —
"So you've told him you love him, haven't you?!" She questioned excitedly, blue eyes sparkling mischievously.
Marléna smiled widely, a dimple visible in her left cheek, "Naturally… and best thing is it's mutual!" She squealed, and leaned up on her toes to kiss the underside of Chris's jaw.
Chris smiled, running his fingers through her hair. "God, you're amazing… what did I get right to deserve you?" He huskily whispered in her ear.
"It was nothing but fate, dearest — that alone brought us together." Marléna stated matter-of-factly.
Meanwhile JJ was busily observing the newcomer, her hair was perhaps a little longer than Marléna's and her eyes were a deep blue, perhaps a little lighter than those of Marléna, her outfit consisted of a black HORNET: The Alizarin Warrior shirt, with light gray jeans, and light blue Hi-tops.
JJ had dressed in a formal shirt that was just like Chris's (but in his colors), with a cream leather jacket over top, dark blue denim jeans and his usual athletic shoes. Who was she? Well one thing was for certain, he had to get to know her.
Marléna, realising now was the opportune moment to introduce the pair; let go of Chris's hand, and looked over to the other teen:
"I see the way you're looking at my cousin, Jeremy…" She plainly stated, and JJ jumped a little, causing everyone else in the room to chuckle
"That's your cousin? My god, do you ever get mistaken for being twins?" JJ asked, and the two girls rolled their eyes.
"Yeah, but only by people who don't actually know us…" they said simultaneously, and all the males laughed.
Linnéa finally looked at the boy who'd been checking her out for the past ten minutes "Marléna? Who's that?" She asked, turning again to her slightly older cousin.
"Oh, are you interested in him or something, Linnéa?" Her cousin teased, and smirked as she saw the faintest hint of a blush suffuse her cousin's cheeks.
Chris squeezed Marléna's hand and shared a knowing wink with her "You were right, babe - I believe JJ and your cousin may already like one another."
"Y-Yes, he is quite handsome, and he seems sweet…." Linnéa stammered, and JJ's eyebrows furrowed.
JJ stepped towards the girl, and took her hand gently "Who might you be, you gorgeous thing?" He teased, his eyes twinkling.
Marléna cleared her throat "That, Jeremy, is my cousin Linnéa Elisabeth Lannerbäck, unlike Far and Mom, who moved us up here to Michigan, she and her family still reside down in South Florida with our grandparents." She explained, and her cousin offered the youth a shy smile.
"Good; there's objective one achieved." Marléna noted
"Objective one?" Linnéa questioned, raising an eyebrow
"That means she's gonna try to get Robbin and Astrid to reveal their feelings to one another, am I correct babe?" Chris asked his girlfriend, and she nodded
On the lower story of the house, KK and Robbin sat on the couch watching a hockey game when Astrid poked her head into the room,
"KK, Mom wants you to help set up the tables outside, She and Aunty Crista are almost done preparing the food." She told her brother, before she disappeared again.
KK paused the television, and smiled at his sister. "Sure," He slipped a glance to the taller boy who sat silently alongside him "You mind lending a hand, Robbin?"
"Nah, let's go help out, KK - I thought I saw Uncle Justin's auto out front — which means JJ and Tessa are here, though I wonder why JJ didn't just drive himself…." He replied, and followed his friend to the rear deck of the house.
Suddenly a group trampled down the stairs, and Chris, Marléna, Linnéa, JJ, and two younger boys appeared.
"Hey there Jeff, how's things?" Robbin questioned, greeting the younger blue eyed boy.
"Just fine, Robbin, and this dude here is my best chum and cousin Tony, he looks so much like Uncle Eddie did as a lad, that his paternal grandmother spoils him pretty much endlessly." Jeff explained, nudging the darker eyed boy, who uttered a long suffering sigh in response.
"Hey Marléna!" Dan greeted, approaching the group "Günhilde may be dropping by soon."
"And that's important…. why?" Marléna threw her closest male cousin a confused glance.
"Well I like her, about as much as you do my friend there." He said, grinning slyly at Chris.
"Sure you do, but you're gonna have to get both Thor and her father's permission if you want to date her, she's an only child after all." Marléna smirked at her favorite male cousin.
"Thor thinks I'm pretty cool, though I don't think he knows I am interested in his cousin yet." Dan answered easily.
"I remember Thor thrashed Bjørn for saying he would do it with Günhilde, even if it was without her consent. I knew Jansen was a creep from the start!" Marléna revealed.
"If ever he lays a hand on you, I'll most certainly be beating up on his sorry ass… you can count on that, babe." Chris solemnly vowed, tightening an arm around Marléna's shoulders, she instinctively wrapped an arm around his waist in response.
"Shouldn't you be helping set up the tables, Dan?" Marléna teased her cousin.
"Last time I checked, I was a guest." Dan retorted.
They all heard laughter drifting from the rear of the house, as a joke was exchanged between two others already setting up.
"Chris's brother is helping out, and he's a guest." Marléna noted, rolling her eyes.
"That's my 'little' brother," Chris added "He may be shy, but once you get to know him, he's one of the most selfless, generous people you'll ever know."
"KK's much the same, but he's used to being overlooked, due to his quiet, unobtrusive manner. I was surprised he opened up to your brother so quickly - I think that's because he actually asked to sit with him when they first met, mostly people just sit, but my bror would never speak up." Marléna replied.
Eddie stepped inside then, a look of stress on his face, for which his daughter knew the reason:
"Are Gus & Stellan up to the usual, do you need me to rein them in, Far?" she asked, and her father smiled
"Yeah, you can honey… he listens to you a bit more than either your Mom or I." Her father told her.
A moment later, two very similar looking young boys raced past the group
"What do you think you're doing Gustave?!" Marléna called after the pair, and they both paused.
"Uhh, nothing sis." The slightly smaller of the two said, but his eldest sibling gave him a stern look.
"Why is Far so stressed then? Can't you two stop being pains in the ass in each other's company for one night?!" She barked, and the taller boy looked scared, usually his oldest cousin was not so stern with her youngest brother and that frightened him.
Gus flashed a dimpled grin, but his sister just scowled at him, shaking her head "That ain't gonna work this time, After dinner, go play in your room —until our Aunty and Onkel are ready to take you, Stellan and the other younger kids back to the resort — and stay out of Mom and Far's hair, okay?" She ordered, and the two boys silently nodded, and walked back outside.
Chris smirked, "Do you plan to be so stern with me?!" he joked, and hugged his girlfriend tightly.
Marléna's blue eyes twinkled roguishly "Only when you request it, dearest." Chris chuckled in response, then kissed the side of her neck, sucking slightly on her warm flesh.
Marléna felt the wave of physical need pulsating through her veins, a need to do something adult with her boyfriend.
"We should turn up the heat later tonight, I know you wanna see more of me." She whispered to Chris, tracing her fingertips over his lips.
"You sure that's safe… I mean there are young kids around, and…" Chris said uncertainly.
Marléna smirked "Onkel Joey has agreed to take Katie; the twins, Alex, Gunnar and Gus back to the resort with him and Aunty Crista. Linnéa, Jeremy and Dan are sleeping in the living room, so are Astrid, Jeff, Tony, and Jayden. Your Mum and Mrs. De Martini woulda already agreed to let Roxy spend the night with Tessa; so I think we'll be safe." She explained, pressing a tender kiss to her boyfriend's cheek.
"Where are my brothers in all of these plans?" Chris queried his girlfriend, raising an eyebrow.
"Robbin has no doubt asked your mothers if he could stay tonight, he'll have KK and Andy as roommates so he's bound to enjoy himself, and Greg has got to return to your house to finally realize he feels something for Chelsea." She answered easily.
Ingeborg and Mathias, Marléna's paternal grandparents, stepped up to introduce themselves, behind them, a small green eyed boy with smooth brown hair approached his cousin and the unfamiliar youth cautiously.
The old man stepped up and offered Chris his hand. "It's great to see my dearest Lèna has found a young gentleman she can open her heart to." He said, smiling warmly at the youth, his medium green eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled.
"Well, Marléna certainly has inherited your face shape." Chris commented, shaking the old man's hand.
"And I am Ingeborg, Mor of 2, and Mor-Far of 11, including that gorgeous young lady there…" She paused, and threw a smile to her eldest granddaughter, who blushed ever so slightly in response to the compliment "who loves you with all her heart. And this little guy here, who's still anxiously observing you." The brown eyed, platinum blonde woman at his side explained.
Marléna crouched down, and locked eyes with the small green eyed boy who still was peering uncertainly at Chris "Gunnar, it's alright, my boyfriend won't hurt you at all, he may look intimidating, but he is actually really nice." and the boy stepped towards them and offered a small, shy smile.
"Hi." He shyly greeted the older boy, brown locks falling into his eyes.
Chris knelt down, so he was eye level with the younger boy "I'm your cousin's boyfriend, Chris - and she's right, I'm not scary; as you can plainly see."
Stellan suddenly reappeared and he laughed at the older boy "I'm Stellan, I often get mistaken for my buddy Gus, Léna's youngest brother, there are extremely small differences between us and strangers can never tell them when we're out in public."
"Just like me and your older sister, eh?" Marléna teased her younger cousin, who nodded and laughed in response.
Marléna poked her head into the kitchen "Mom, you need help carrying out the food?"
Grace smiled at her eldest daughter "Yes, you can carry out one of the meat trays if you want." She said, indicating a foil-covered tray of roast lamb which stood on the countertop, Marléna nodded and lifted the tray, carrying it out of the kitchen, Chris grabbed another one without being asked, and followed his girlfriend outside.
Robbin and KK came in a few minutes later, "Is there anything more for us to do, Mom? We've finished setting up the tables." the teen informed his mother.
"Yes, you can start carrying out the plates, cups and cutlery, your friend should really be relaxing… After all, he is our guest." Grace answered, slipping a look to her son's best friend.
Robbin shrugged, "Well, I believe it's only right that I should offer assistance to anyone in need."
The two went back out with their assigned objects, and her husband walked into the kitchen.
"Gosh, is that brother of Chris's a wise young man. I think I know why Astrid is suddenly acting so odd around me." Eddie told his wife.
Grace raised a wry eyebrow at the man she'd been fortunate enough to call her husband for close to two score years, her blue eyes sparkling mischievously "What's that honey?"
"I believe our middle daughter may really like Christopher's younger brother, and I wouldn't begrudge her that since that young man is so shy, yet extremely well-mannered too." He answered, and his wife laughed
"What did we expect? After all he's pretty much exactly like Karl in temperament, and our son is also very well mannered."
"I think our oldest might have some rather adult things planned involving Chris later…" Eddie mused, and his wife raised an eyebrow again.
"Do you mean like the kind of things we still do?" and her husband smirked and nodded.
"Aren't they a little too… young?" Grace asked, and her husband cast her a confused glance.
"Honey, how old were you when you had your first boyfriend?"
"I was a sophomore in high school, and dated the varsity basketball captain, Tyler Allin, how old were you, dearest?"
"I was roughly 15, but it was only a brief infatuation, you're the first girl I truly loved in every sense of the word, when you caught my eye, Gracie — I just had to make you mine." Eddie answered, pausing to pull his wife into a tight embrace, kissing her temple gently as he did so.
"They're not too young at all, it's great that our firstborn can trust a boy like that, after what that Cummins kid did to her." They stood in each other's arms awhile, until Eddie spoke again.
"My bror offered to take most of the younger kids back to the hotel with him and Crista. Tabby and Luna have agreed to let Roxy stay with Tessa - some of the kids are sleeping in the living room - yet Christopher's twin brother is going back with his parents. I'm pretty sure Robbin is bunking with Andy in KK's room." He informed his wife.
Out on the deck, Astrid sat sketching the guests present at her house - when a soft voice drifted into her ear, and distracted her.
"Hey there, you think I didn't notice the way you were looking at me while I was over here working on a project with your brother, but I did."
She looked up, and stared into a pair of amber eyes, those of the object of her affections.
"I-I had no idea you'd notice the way I watched you. After all, you're so much like my bror, that I thought you'd never notice me." She said nervously, her eyes darting away.
Robbin smiled softly at the younger girl "You're really beautiful, I just wanted you to know that."
Astrid blushed crimson and thought "Oh my god, is he saying he likes me or am I dreaming?"
He took a confident step towards her, and knelt down to look into her eyes.
"If you were to give me the opportunity, I'd show you exactly how I feel about you - but you're still a bit young… but perhaps in a couple of years, I may well do." He whispered, reaching up to touch her face with a tentative hand.
To his surprise, the girl leant her cheek into his palm, and batted her lashes at him, "You're very handsome, I've had a crush on you for a few months, ever since Karl first mentioned you." Astrid murmured, and smiled at the boy.
Robbin raised an eyebrow "Really? I had no idea you felt this way, I never thought I would fall in love with a relation of my brother's girlfriend, but fate had other things planned for me."
"Imagine what our children would look like" Astrid giggled
A vaguely teasing smile flashed upon Robbin's face, his amber eyes twinkling "We've only just revealed our feelings to one another, we may like each other now, but in a couple of years our feelings could change… it's too early for discussing marriage and children." He reasoned with the girl.
"Huh, looks like you guys naturally gravitated toward each other, so my match making skills are no longer needed." a voice joked, and Robbin rose to his feet, and turning about, found Marléna to be standing a handful of feet away, with Chris's arm tightly around her waist.
"You were right again, babe." He murmured, and she grinned like a Cheshire Cat.
Tony walked past the pair and rolled his eyes at Chris "Once again, that's just like my syster."
"It won't be long until it's you I'm making a match for, Antonio." Marléna called after her brother, and looking at his sister over his shoulder; the boy rolled his eyes again.
"Are you planning to make it two out of three, and set my sister up with either your brother or Jeff?" Chris teased her, and she groaned, shaking her head "Nope, your sister's only 10, and that's too young for love, she's still a kid."
"I think my cousin might have a crush on Dan's sister to be honest." Robbin added, and his brother and Marléna both stared at him in shock.
"Which of our cousins do you think has a crush on Josie?; I'm assuming it's her you're talking of, since Genette is still only eight and too young for love as yet." Chris stated, raising an eyebrow at his usually reserved younger brother.
"Hmm, it could either be Frank-Lynn, who I've met at least once or that half-latino daredevil cousin of yours who I don't know the name of." Marléna added
"It's Frank-Lynn…. Drew is still at the phase of believing romantic stuff is disgusting." Robbin clarified.
After everyone had eaten, everything had been cleaned, and everyone who had other places to be left; Marléna stalked over to her boyfriend, stopping a couple of feet from him "Hey, let's go to my room, we can explore each other on my bed, I want you to touch me, every inch of my being." She purred, her blue eyes sparkling like sapphires, and a seductive grin playing on her lips.
Chris smirked and pulled her roughly against his chest, whispering huskily to her ear "Yes, I'll make sure to thoroughly satisfy each and every one of your needs."
"I know you will, and I'll play with you a little more, until of course, you ask me to stop." She playfully threatened, and squealed as he scooped her up like a small child.
Recovering, she wound her legs about his waist, her arms encircling his shoulders , with her fingers thrust deep into the hair at the base of his neck.
Chris buried his face in her shoulder, and started to rain soft kisses unto her skin "My god, there is no way that I could ever find another one if we were to be somehow parted." he murmured - lifting his eyes, which shone a vibrant green hue - to gaze adoringly into the grey rimed blue pools of his girlfriend's eyes.
Marléna leant forward, suddenly capturing his lips in a long, passionate kiss, her fingers still holding tight to the hair on the nape of his neck.
When she finally broke the kiss, she gazed into his eyes for a long moment. "How was that for you? It was spectacular for me."
Chris grinned like a shark, and pulled Marléna a little tighter against him. "It was amazing… but then you're amazing, so what did I expect?" He replied, running his fingers through her hair.
He carried her upstairs, nudging her bedroom door open with the toe of his boot, and it slammed shut behind them.
"Would you mind releasing me so I can change into something more comfortable; wait for me on the bed, I'll only be five minutes." Marléna said, walking towards her half bathroom, smiling lovingly at her boyfriend over her shoulder.
Pulling his boots off and undoing his shirt, Chris lay down on the bed, stretching out to his full length on top of her blue and purple patterned chenille bed-spread, he eagerly watched the other side of the large bedroom.
About ten minutes later, his girlfriend reappeared, dressed in creamy lingerie with light blue accents.
Chris straightened and felt need surge through his veins, his gaze resting on the beautiful girl who held his heart.
"Wow." Was all that he was able to utter in that moment, and Marléna smirked at him, her eyes twinkling roguishly.
She suddenly leapt onto the bed and reached for the belt that secured his pants around his waist, and smiling boldly, undid the belt, sliding one of her hands into his boxers.
Chris threw his head back "Oh my fucking goddd…" he groaned in ecstasy, and Marléna's smile faded, and she removed her hand.
He looked at her in confusion "Why'd you stop?!" He asked incredulously, his eyes sparking dangerously.
"I thought you weren't enjoying what I was doing." She answered, and he laughed "Babe, I loved what you were doing… please, do it again." He pleaded with her, his eyes shimmering green, and his girlfriend smirked, slipping her hand deftly back into his undergarment.
"Marléna, mmm… you're so good, it's like I'm in heaven… and you're my guardian Angel, I pray you won't ever hurt
me." Chris mumbled, pulling her up against him so she lay across his chest, smiling contentedly, Marléna snuggled herself deeper into his warmth.
After ten minutes had passed, Marléna withdrew her hand, and instead began stroking her boyfriend's shoulder absently, "Your turn…" she murmured, and he froze for a long moment, pondering his next move. He also slid his pants off, and smiled.
She glanced up at him "Chris? Are you having second thoughts about… us?" She sounded fearful, like she already thought he'd lost interest in her.
Chris's hands slid to her waist, and he flipped her so she lay beneath him, his eyes blazing with passion as he stared down at her.
The heat of his gaze sent shivers up her spine, and she linked her arms around his neck, her nose pressed against his throat, where she inhaled deeply, his scent burning her nostrils.
Chris leant in close, and whispered as his eyes moved hungrily to her full, sensuous lips "Nope, I'll never get tired of you babe, you're the only one who makes me feel complete." He nibbled on her lower lip, urging it open, and kissed her hotly.
Marléna squirmed, "Ah… keep going, you know just how to please me." She laughed wildly, kissing him back.
She reached down and slid her panties to her calves, revealing her treasure, her heat drove Chris insane, and his carnal instincts took over.
They both rose to a half-sitting position and his hand expertly located the clasp that held the bra shut, and she threw it aside, then Marléna fell back against the mattress, smiling seductively at her boyfriend.
Chris resumed his path to her treasure…. tonight and forevermore they would belong to one another. Smirking, he pulled her hips up so his still erect member could penetrate her pink area.
"Oooo…" Marléna squealed, pulling him tighter against her "I want more." she gasped, and giggling, pulled Chris's head down and captured his lips in a deep, passionate kiss.
"I love you so much…" he whispered against her lips, the sweat dripping from his forehead… Christ, if she was to be this great always, he had to take another turn.
He pulled his head away, and she pouted slightly, her eyes large and doe-like as they stared wistfully into his.
"Was that… good? I mean, I've never had anyone else, so I've no comparisons to make, but for me it was mind-blowing." Chris asked tentatively, searching his girlfriend's face for signs of dissatisfaction, but relief swelled from deep within as her pout turned to a smirk.
"Chris, it. was. spectacular. I love you and adore how you treat my body like a temple." She breathed, running her hands lovingly across his chest, his arm drawing her ever tighter into his side.
"Good, I'll never let you go babe, I just hope your feelings for me won't change at any point."
"You're in no danger of that happening, Christopher. How many times do I have to reaffirm my love for you to have it sink in? I've had my thoughts about you being with me like this even before we physically met one another." Marléna told him wholeheartedly, laying her head on his shoulder.
Chris stroked her hair, and let out a quiet, contented sigh.
Meanwhile across the hall, Andy's expression was one of disgust
"Your siblings are getting it on across the hall." He groaned, glowering at the two other boys present in the room.
KK and Robbin shared a smirk with one another. "Eh, leave 'em to it, won't be long til you're that way with a girl, cousin." KK said casually, with a shrug.
"Nah, girls are just… weird for me." Andy continued, shaking his head.
Robbin interjected, "It's not girls you're afraid of, since you're fine with your sisters and cousins, it's the concept of being comfortable with one outside your family that's out of your grasp."
Andy glared at him "How'd you possibly come to that, Einstein?!" He asked incredulously.
"Earlier tonight, I witnessed you making sheep's eyes at Tessa De Martini." Robbin continued, "But, she wouldn't look at you since she'd just earlier learned Chris didn't like her at all."
KK nudged him with an elbow, "It seems my younger sister and you really are drawn to one another, buddy."
Robbin chuckled, "Well… your sister is very cute. What are these rumors flying round that you're crazy for Mr. Reyes's daughter?"
KK was suddenly nervous "D-Do ya think she actually likes me?" He asked, his dark eyes widening in shock.
"My cousin Linka is acquainted with her somewhat, and says she wants to meet the object of Marisol's affections, though I think Patrick Spokes is keen on her too." Robbin replied, "So there's a high chance she does, I think she even has a photo of you somewhere."
KK smiled shyly at his best friend "I just don't know how to go about approaching her… that's the difference between us, Rob - you're more able to speak your mind."
Robbin just smiled.
Downstairs, the large living room now had air mattresses strewn across its carpeted floor. The remainder of the kids, a group that included Jayden, Dan, JJ, Linnéa and Astrid were gathered on the couch;
Dan was sulking "I don't get why Günhilde didn't show tonight, I was gonna tell her how I felt and everything." He sighed.
"Cheer up, cousin… you'll be able to do it at school once we resume classes in a week's time." JJ spoke up, Linnéa was sat alongside him, and laid her head drowsily on his shoulder.
"How are you gonna keep in touch with her after this? she lives all the way in Florida, JJ." Dan snidely commented, glaring at his older cousin.
JJ slipped a look to the sleeping form of his newly acquired girlfriend "I plan to ask her if we could possibly exchange phone numbers." He whispered, stroking Linnéa's brown locks.
Astrid sat nearby reading a novel of some description, and watched the conversation with mild amusement.
In another corner of the room, Jeff and Tony sat together and talked softly to one another:
"Hey Jeff, what did you think of Chris's lil sis?" Tony asked, and his best cousin-friend looked at him, surprised.
"Oh… er, she's pretty, but we're way too young for that type of thing yet." Jeff answered.
Tony's brown eyes sparkled all of a sudden "Well, I kinda like Estelle Spokes… yet she's part of Chris's cousin's circle of friends and I have no clue how to approach her."
"Dude, she's a year older than us, and Fox Allin has got a thing for her." Jeff added
Fox was the son of Polly Pain and an unknown (it was thought at least to everyone, apart from Lynn Jr and Frank-Lynn) father. He was a little bit of a braggart and an a-hole, and Frank-Lynn was only acquainted due to their moms still being relatively close.
"Oh, his dad was my mom's first boyfriend, I think… and he probably kinda resents me for the fact Far is married to Mom and not his own dad." He mused, clearly he had heard his parents' conversation earlier.
The two were silent for awhile, until an idea popped into young Antonio Lannerback's head;
"Should we sneak out to catch a glimpse of the fireworks display?… It's almost midnight anyhow." Tony whispered, his brown eyes glinting mischievously.
"Uh, how would we sneak past my brothers, JJ, your sister, and your cousin?" Jeff questioned his cousin.
"Jeremy is indisposed with Linnéa, Dan is complaining about his crush not being at the party, Astrid is busy conscientiously observing and your oldest brother is just boring, it'll be a cinch." Tony answered easily, rising to his feet, Jeff reluctantly followed him and the pair snuck out to the deck.
They weren't even outside for twenty minutes when an outside voice — emanating from somewhere behind them — asked "Hey, what are you guys doing out here?"
The two preteens turned, only to find Marléna to be standing a few feet away, an expression which was a mix of annoyance and curiosity on her face, her blue eyes fixing her younger brother with a vaguely stern gaze.
"How did you know we were out here?" Tony asked his sister, clearly surprised that it was her whose attention had been garnered by his and Jeff's plan.
"Well, I heard the sliding door to the deck was opened from the inside, and Mom had locked it after all the party guests had left and all the cleaning had been done, so my suspicions were high." His oldest sibling pointed out.
"I thought you'd be too busy with Chris to notice any movement down here." He continued, then he looked behind her "He's still lying on your bed, isn't he?"
Marléna laughed "Yeah, I was…. and I managed to slip out without rousing him." she said, proud at having done such a thing.
It was soon halfway through the presentation, the part where the larger rockets were setting the sky alight with rainbow vistas and they all watched in awe as a huge cartoon character exploded across the midnight sky in varying blues, purples, greens and reds.
Jeff suddenly pumped the air with a fist "That was super cool!" He cried excitedly, causing Marléna to hush him, and Tony to glare at him, conscious their cover was entirely blown.
Marléna heard movement from her room and slipped a reproachful look to her younger cousin "Great, you managed to wake my boyfriend, goddamn can you be a fool at times Jeffrey Ferrier!" She admonished him, her dark eyes sparking like blue fire.
Back in her bedroom, Chris stirred, roused by the explosive echoes of the New Year's firework display, and also by the sound of familiar voices.
He felt the space beside him was empty, anxiety and suspicion overtaking him as he realized Marléna was not there. He rose to his feet, the pyjamas he brought with him in case his girlfriend asked him to spend the night, which she had, clung to him. Slipping his arms into his jacket, and pulling on his boots, he crept from her room, and down the stairs.
Marléna heard her boyfriend's approach, and smirking, spun round on her heel to face him, Chris looked at her meaningfully.
"Babe, you suddenly weren't there, and I got a little worried, you can't do that to me." He whispered, pulling her to him.
Marléna leant into his chest, and yawning, threw her arms around his neck, silently requesting he pick her up again "I'm sorry dearest, I just sensed that Tony here was up to something akin to one of our little bror's doings." She murmured sleepily, resting her head on his shoulder.
Chris lifted her gently into his arms, and kissing her forehead tenderly, he carried her back into the house, and looked back to see the younger boys had followed them back inside, Jeff locking the door behind him. Before he went upstairs, Chris slipped a curious glance in Tony's direction and asked, "What were the three of you doing out there anyhow?"
Tony answered the older boy's question "Well, I suggested to Jeff that we check out the fireworks because we can clearly see them from the deck, we managed to get past everyone in the living room." He broke off and smirked "Jeff's brother is in a sour mood, since that girl he's interested in never showed up, JJ is busy with my cousin, and Jeff's oldest brother is the most boring guy I've ever met. But as my syster plainly told you, she caught us in the act, and we never thought she would be the one who would spring us, since you were so taken with one another."
Chris sighed, smiling at the now lightly slumbering form in his loving arms "Your sister's so sweet and caring, and was always my dream of a lifetime, I realized it as soon as she smiled at me for the first time."
Jeff smirked "That's because my brother made sure to give her and KK the low down on all his friends, even KK noticed the interest which sparked in his sister's eyes at the mention of your name in particular."
"Yep, now I realize your personality is rather like our cousin Andy's, and that's probably what piqued Marléna's interest." Tony finished, and the two disappeared back into the living room.
Once more, Chris carried his girlfriend upstairs, and laid her on the bed, watching her with a purely affectionate glimmer in his hazel eyes.
Around forty minutes later, Marléna opened her eyes slowly and smiled up at him, love reflected in her blue orbs. "Hi…" She murmured sleepily, "Why is it you are watching me like that?"
Chris swooped in for a sweet kiss before replying with "Because you're my dream of a lifetime, Marléna Ingrid Lannerbäck, and I hope it is me you keep saving all your love for."
Her smile morphed to a smirk. "I won't ever turn my back on you, you're all I need to be happy, is my love your heaven already?" She purred seductively, and straightening to curl up into a ball, she watched her boyfriend, the light of blazing passion clear in her blue eyes, she let the silk dressing gown she was wearing fall open revealing the woollen crop top and thick leggings she wore beneath, and slid the leggings off, revealing her treasure to him again.
Chris chuckled, nodding his head and once more discarding his boots and jacket, he began to crawl across the bed toward her, growling playfully as he stealthily crept toward her, licking his chops in anticipation.
Marléna giggled and slid herself over, meeting her boyfriend halfway, the heat of her gaze touched his very soul and he caught her by the shoulders and possessed her mouth with a fierce passion, he could feel a throbbing in his crotch, and when he broke the kiss, he stood suddenly, and took his pyjama bottoms off, and lay on top of her again.
"You're simply breathtaking, and I'm gonna do everything in my power to make you realize it." He whispered to her, brushing away some hairs which had fallen in her eyes.
Marléna smiled softly, raising her eyes to meet his own. "My feelings for you won't ever change, you're always gonna have my heart firmly within your grasp, so don't ever break it."
Chris chuckled, and kissed her lips tenderly, "Babe, you're the most important thing in my universe, and I'll never stop loving you, and though other girls I meet will more than likely want to get with me, I won't even entertain the thought, since I can't even fathom the concept of causing you any kind of pain." He vowed.
"I'm scared for my safety at school if ever your mothers decide to take you and your siblings on tour with them. Some days, I can feel Jansen's eyes watching me, and just know he's plotting to have his way with me." Marléna said uneasily, and shivered as if a draught had just come through.
Chris tightened his arms around her, a newly learned protective reflex. "Your brother and JJ will catch him in the act… I would have said Dan as well, but he's gonna be spending every possible moment with Thor's cousin." He assured her, kissing her lips again.
Marléna smirked "Thor's Onkel Magnus will be his biggest obstacle…" She trailed off, and her tone grew serious. "Mr. Valderson has had to raise her on his own for the past 6 years, Thor's Tante Alma was killed in a tragic automobile accident when she was 8, and her father spoils her shamefully, since apart from the trademark 'Valderson blue' eyes (they're a very different shade to those present in my family) she's Alma's daughter, with her golden brown hair and faultless peaches-and-cream complexion."
"Just like you are the image of your mother, well apart from inheriting your Far-Far's face shape." Her boyfriend noted, and Marléna's eyes suddenly shone with bashful pride, she was honestly impressed he had made a point of knowing the Swedish terms for her relations.
"Ah, so you listened to how I interact with my familj, I love you all the more for that fact." Marléna giggled, and pressed herself a little more against him.
"I want to keep you happy, sweetheart… and if learning another language is the ticket, I'll be sure to do it." He said, stroking her cheekbone with his thumb.
The pair soon fell to sleep, and when they awoke at 9:15 am on the first day of 2044, it was to the aroma of food being cooked downstairs.
They heard the door crack open, and Mathias looked in and smiled upon the young couple. "All my older granddaughters found their life-mates at our gathering last night." He stated matter of factly, his green eyes sparkled with pride.
Marléna rolled her eyes at her paternal Grandfather's statement "That goes only for me and Linnéa; Far-Far — Asti is still too young for true love yet… she and Robbin are merely crushing on one another."
Her Grandfather smirked "Well, in a couple of years, Astrid and Christopher's brother will make a match of it, this we can all be sure of."
She returned the smile "Yeah, soon I'll have to set Tony up with a girl, and my boyfriend's cousin might have to make his move on Josie, though her brothers and father are to be none the wiser." Marléna looked up at her boyfriend "Are you gonna tell your cousin about me?" She asked innocently, and he peered down at her, clearly confounded "Which cousin is that?"
She rolled her eyes "The beauteous blonde one, who has had a crush on you for ages — according to your twin brother, that is."
"You do know her older brother is part of our friend group and has probably told her to back off. I secretly think he's jealous of me, for he likes you as well." Chris replied absently, as he stroked her back.
"It's like I'm the catch of the school, one of the other boys — not Thor, cause he respects you and considers you an ally — but Ian Wright, that asshole jock who captains our varsity football team might, I never liked him, particularly because he was horrible towards our circle of friends, and is way too dense for his own good." Marléna stated, and laid her head on Chris's shoulder.
Chris gently kissed her forehead "He doesn't think I can beat up on him… he reckons music is for pussies — but he's only your height, and I'm 6 ft 4 and could easily take him down in a battle of wits — he's got no brains inside that skull of his. Girls like him because he's got muscles." He said, the smirk noticeable in his tone.
"All the girls at school apparently have never been quite sure how to approach you, but I sense a few of them might be jealous at the ease with which I accomplished that end." Marléna mused, before looking over at her Grandfather "Who's cooking this morning Far-Far?"
"Your mother and my wife are, the other kids are all watching tv in the living room, Well young De Martini and Linnéa are kissing one another and continually saying 'you're cute… no you are!" to each other and giggling like small children." He replied, and shut the door, leaving the teens in peace.
Marléna looked up at her boyfriend through her lashes "Hmm… Should we take a shower and get dressed? Or should we make out again?" She asked playfully, her blue eyes glinting mischievously.
Chris gave her a squeeze, "Yeah, let's take a shower babe, I wanna see you fully soaked, even though you're always gonna be beautiful to me… no matter what you may think about yourself." He whispered huskily, his hands running down her sides.
Marléna blushed, and smiling winsomely at her boyfriend; she stood, offering him her hand, and smirking; he took it and stood, stealing a kiss as he did so.
Giggling, she gave him a playful shove "Stop it!"
Chris shot her a faux-injured look "Stop what?" He asked innocently, pulling her up against him.
Marléna smiled widely, the dimple in her left cheek visible "Being so covert with your kisses, I like it when your heat and passion rain on me." She laughed, and she kissed the underside of his jaw urgently.
She then led him into the bathroom, and grinned slyly at him, "I have something special in store for you, see it as restitution for the pleasure you gave me last night." Marléna giggled seductively, and began to slowly undo the buttons of Chris's pyjama shirt, he could already feel the blood rushing to his crotch area, for he was almost certain he knew what his girlfriend had planned, and she was already a mistress of building tension it seemed. He shivered in anticipation as it fell to the floor and she kissed his bare chest.
Stepping towards the shower and turning the faucets on, she made sure the water was hot, then turned to him, smirking "Well, come on don't be shy, don't you wanna know what my surprise is?"
Chris nodded excitedly, and she laughed, "You're gonna have to go in before me, I need to be in the right position for easy access." She purred, rolling her eyes, and Chris stepped into the shower recess grinning like a shark, watching as she entered seconds later, sunk to her knees, took his member into her mouth, and sucked hard, the crown of her head pressing against the toned muscles of his abdominal region, her arms tight around his thighs.
Chris felt the passion surge from deep within, and he let his load squirt into her mouth "God, you're so fucking amazing." He moaned in ecstasy, throwing his head back, and letting his fingers run through the messy brown locks atop her head, a contented smile on his face.
Marléna straightened suddenly, and her mouth shut with an audible snap.
Chris suddenly grew frantic "Babe, did I do something wrong? Forgive me, I'm a novice at this, and…" He asked, and she looked at him, her eyes alight with an abiding passion. Marléna shook her head, and smirking, she made a show of swishing his injection of sexual fluid ostentatiously around in her mouth then audibly swallowing it, enjoying his taste as it slid down her throat.
She slowly rose to her feet, and kissed the underside of his jaw hungrily "That was great, you're a natural at this, I love you so much, dearest Christopher."
Gathering her in his arms, Chris's lips swept down upon her demure, angelic face, and he repeatedly kissed her cheeks, chin, nose, and forehead, "I love you too babe, and you were right, your love is my heaven, and now that I've found ya, I only wanna stay within your embrace." He whispered huskily, and she smiled seductively at him in response.
Chris sighed contentedly, he hadn't experienced true happiness til the first day of this school year, when they'd both seen each other for the first time, and now there wasn't a chance in hell he was going to throw Marléna's love away, she meant more to him than life itself, and now he knew for sure — though he'd always suspected it — that she felt the same way for him.
The pair soon re-entered her bedroom and Marléna sauntered over to her closet, and opening it, looked inside at the neatly arranged articles of clothing.
"I wonder what I shall wear?" She pondered aloud, and her boyfriend came up behind her, squeezing her robe covered shoulders affectionately.
"Whatever you choose, you're bound to be stunning in it." Chris huskily whispered and bent his head forward to kiss her neck lovingly.
She giggled, shaking her now neat brown hair, which she'd fixed into a French braid "Of course, you'd think so, after all I gave to you my heart."
"That's true…" he murmured, "Yet your Far thinks you cute too, almost too much for his comfort."
Marléna laughed outright "That's just like my Far… Onkel Joey is fond of Jeremy already, yet I don't think he likes Mrs De Martini or Tessa."
"I can understand that, Aunt Tabby is a little too… over-exuberant, and Uncle Justin is so laid back, and subconscious of what others may think of the family, Tessa has a habit of flirting with boys in public, and most of them don't really like it…. they're just out enjoying themselves, and then bam this girl they've never seen before, comes and tries to flirt with them — it embarrasses her dad and brother to no end, yet Aunt Tabby encourages her."
Marléna finally decided on a midnight blue, sleeve HORNET 'The headless juveniles" shirt, with her usual jacket and pants, but blue black and viridian sneakers.
Chris raised an eyebrow at her shirt "Whoa babe, I didn't know you liked HORNET!"
Marléna giggled at his expression "Well, I do…. Chero even plays one of dad's bass guitars, and Greyhawk Rhoads, the lead guitarist, plays one of dad's guitars as well. So every time they play a show wherever we're living we always get to go backstage — Grey even was giving me guitar lessons, he's so chill and laid back — Chero is awesome too, but he's a fair bit more egotistical than any of the other band members, but still a blast to hang with…"
"Man… I'm jealous of you babe, It's always been a dream of mine to be backstage at a gig of HORNET'S, I'll have to ask your Far whether or not he's still in contact with them." Chris replied, admiring his girlfriend's outfit.
He dressed quickly into the clothes he'd worn the previous afternoon and admired his girlfriend's outfit again…
Marléna tilted her head slightly to the left, and smiling widely so her singular dimple was visible, she placed her hands on her hips, and leant nonchalantly against her bedroom wall - "You like what you see, don't you?" She teased her boyfriend, her blue eyes twinkling merrily.
Chris nodded, and grinning broadly, pulled her into a loving embrace, before his lips swept down upon her sensuous ones, once he released her he leant in farther to huskily whisper into her ear "Yes…. I often wonder what I got right to deserve a beautiful creature like you…." and she giggled, they stood in each other's embrace for ten minutes, until Marléna heard someone softly knock upon her bedroom door and it cracked open, to reveal Linnéa standing in its frame with a sheepish smile on her face.
"Mor-Far says breakfast is ready, so you two better get downstairs quick unless you want the other boys to finish most of the food before you get to the table…" She informed the pair, before she walked back downstairs, Marléna teased her cousin good-naturedly;
"So you and Jeremy are already pretty serious, right?" She asked, her eyes twinkling roguishly, and Linnéa nodded, a blush creeping up on her face, and her best cousin-friend couldn't resist teasing her farther, "According to Far-Far, the pair of you were being adorable on the couch earlier - exchanging many a kiss and "you're cute" betwixt yourselves… that true?" and Marléna laughed outright as the blush fiercely exploded across her cousin's cheeks as Linnéa stammered "Y-Yes, it's true… we've eve-even agreed to ex-exchange cell phone numbers!"
Marléna and Chris both raised an eyebrow, yet Marléna was the one who spoke "Really? Your Far is already fond of Jeremy, so he's bound to approve of your relationship wholeheartedly."
Linnéa smirked "Yes, he likes Mr. De Martini a fair bit too, yet he is barely tolerant of Mrs. De Martini and Tessa."
Marléna and Chris exchanged mirthful smiles, joining the younger girl in the hall, and the trio descended the stairs.
They were greeted by Tony, who grinned slyly at his sister and Chris "You did 'adult stuff' in the shower, didn't you?" He asked the pair in a teasing manner, and laughed as a blush exploded across his eldest sibling's face.
Chris answered that one matter of factly "Yup, your syster knows just how to please a guy already."
Tony scoffed derisively and rolled his eyes "I didn't need to know that!" Then he gestured to the dining room, from which the sound of conversations were echoing "Come sit in at the table, Far-Mor's just cooked a heap of hotcakes and Mom has prepared a huge platter of bacon and is cooking some eggs to go with it… most of us are having fruit juice or milk…" He trailed off, and offered his sister a smirk "Though You and Chris'll probably have coffee, since Far has allowed you to have it as you please since you turned 16."
Marléna returned the smirk, playfully ruffling her younger brother's hair, "Thanks for the invitation Champ…." Then she looked up at her boyfriend; her blue eyes glimmering teasingly "Do you think we should accept my younger bror's invitation?" Chris only chuckled and nodded his head, before he leant in and brushed his lips against the sensitive skin below her ear — and whispered huskily into it "Yeah babe, let's eat."
and they sat at the table, Marléna flanked by Linnéa and Chris… from his spot on Linnéa's other side JJ smirked, suggestively wiggling his eyebrows at the pair "Did you guys do 'it' last night?" He questioned and the two shared a sweet glance betwixt themselves, neither deigning to answer.
KK spoke up, "Yeah Jeremy, they did and Andy didn't like it at all…" he smirked, nudging his cousin with an elbow, who shot him a dark look — while across the table, Robbin snickered as he returned KK's smirk.
As the children ate, they chatted amongst themselves, and the half dozen adults all watched with gentle smiles.
After they had finished, Marléna went to stand beside her mother, "Mom?"
Grace smiled at her oldest daughter "Yes, Sweetheart?"
"Do you want me to wash up for you? I mean you and Mor-Far did all the cooking, it's only fair that we young people assist with the cleaning…" She answered, and shook her head as both her Mom and Grandmother opened their mouths to protest.
Chris stood too, and walked to his girlfriend, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek "I'll have to get back to my place soon Babe." He whispered, and Marléna glared at him suddenly.
She leaned forward and nudged their friend with an elbow. "Guess you're gonna be dropping Robbin off at the Loud-Sharp place on your way home, eh Jeremy?"
JJ simply nodded, and several higher-pitched voices were audible, as Joey, Crista and the younger children suddenly swarmed the porch, Alex immediately snuck inside and went to stand with his parents and older brothers, Dan still remarkably sour, as he couldn't fathom why Günhilde hadn't turned up at the party the previous evening.
Marléna looked seriously at her second closest cousin, "Perhaps you'll understand why she chose to spend New Years Eve with her family since she's the only physical reminder Thor's uncle Magnus has of his darling wife, who died in a tragic auto accident — Thor told me his aunt was killed one mid-October evening due to being rear-ended by a drunk driver just over 6 years ago… he has vivid memories of hearing of the accident, though his younger brother who we've seen comparatively little of has few memories of his Tante. But then he was helping out at Hunnicut Farms over summer, so Chris's cousins Linka and Drew — who are friends with Junior — are somewhat familiar with him."
Dan nodded solemnly "oh okay, but you can wager I'll be telling her how I feel when we resume school"
What Marléna neglected to mention to her cousin was that Günhilde already was highly interested in him, and thought he was quite dashing. Of course, their respective cousins were hyper aware of their mutual interest in one another yet had thought if quite a riot to keep it a dark secret between themselves... Marléna hadn't even told Chris or KK.