"Race I swear if you don't get out right this second I will throw these sweet potatoes at you!" Henry yelled from the kitchen as Race snuck a bread roll and ran away. Christmas was always a hectic time, even more so now that they no longer lived at the Lodge, so to make things even they decided who gets what by drawing names out of a hat. Yes, that counted every major holiday and who would be in charge of the summer get-togethers. This year, Finch, Henry and Jojo were hosting.

Over the course of time the number of people have changed, mostly in the female variety now that the boys were getting more and more serious in their love life. Feister was taking it as well as she could with those who've been around the longest, Isabelle and Sophia, Finch and Blink's girlfriends to be exact. There was now Opal, Aurora and Sage, who Feister dubbed the princess trio. Specs, Elmer, and Crutchie's girls. Jade and Paisley who were with Henry and Ike were undecided, and it couldn't be more clear.

Mush made sure his wife got an extra large glass of spiked eggnog as a way to let her relax, while also making sure she didn't get too drunk. He'd meet his grave if he let her go all dumpling crazy, which Henry made sure to stock up on. His words were always, a full tummy equals a happy girl. Weirdo.

Sure it was a little squished but the more the merrier, right? At least that's what Brooklyn thought. She liked the princess trio, got along well with Jade and Paisley. She was currently walking around on video call with Kloppman. They all missed him, but made sure to stay in contact whenever possible. "As you can see, not much has changed."

"Hey Klopp!" Race said with a mouth full of bread. "How's the sunny orange state? Missin' good ole New York winter or what?"

"It's great down here. I might come to visit next summer, my grandson is a big fan of Al."

"Shhh!" Race hushed. "Al's head is already big enough

"Hey is that Kloppman, hi there!"

"Speaking of big," Brooklyn began, she switched the camera around and stepped back. "Look at little Les. He's almost as tall as Davey."

From the other side of the room Albert couldn't help but smile. She's so pretty it's hard to believe she's with a guy like him. She's going to marry him for crying out loud and they still haven't told anybody yet. They're going to do that during dinner. He has to admit he's enjoyed this being their little secret for the past few weeks. It's like they've been stuck in a bubble where it's just the two of them and romance. The days she crashes at his place are the best. He was never big on snuggling but waking up to the warmth of her body and sweet smell was…perfect. Making meals and doing little stuff like that was only a glimpse into their future.

"You're so in love it's sickin'."

"Have you looked in the mirror lately?"

"The big difference is that I didn't go for your sister."

"Me and Feisty are basically cut from the same cloth, your argument doesn't work."

Mush muttered something under his breath before taking a sip of his drink. "I'm glad."

"What? That I'm gone for half of the year." Albert shook his head.

"No. I'm glad that it's you. She could've been with any bummer in the city and she picked you. Least I know she'll be taken care of. Not get her heartbroken." he took another swing. "But I'm drunk so come mornin' I'll go back to hatin' you're datin' my sister."

"Drunk words are sober thoughts."

"Shove of."

Albert chuckled. He turned back to where the party was, an amused smile forming on his lips. "I hope you're not too drunk though, Feisty looks ready to throw hands at one of the princesses."

Mush, muttering something that sounded like a swear, drowned the rest of his drink, shoved the empty cup in Albert's chest and headed off to where Feister was. Skillfully he picked her up by the waist with one arm as he breezed by, completely ignoring her protests to go in search for something for her to munch on in the meantime.

At that moment Brooklyn flounced on over, her cheeks a rosy pink, her smile soft as ever. The engagement ring lay hidden on a chain underneath her cream sweater. She wrapped her arms around his stomach and nuzzled her head into his chest. It's almost hard to believe this is the same girl who was so shy and reserved. Now she's an open book, at least with him. Brooklyn's funny like that but it's one of the things that makes her cute.

"You ready to drop the bomb?" he whispered against her temple.

"If we have too," was her response. "Five bucks my brother throws the candied sweet potatoes at you."

"There's no need to be so specific," Albert said with a deep chuckle. Though there is a small chance he's not leaving without some sort of bruise on his body, but it wouldn't be the first time it happened so there wasn't anything to lose. Though there is a chance Feister would have something to say about it. As in, Mush would get an ear full. While not his problem it's entertaining when they fight as a married couple.

"Ok people, time to eat!" Henry called out.

The line filled up quickly, multiple conversations happening at once, most of which were compliments to the chef. Once plates were filled and people sat down, whether it was at the table or somewhere in the living room, it didn't matter. They were all within the same area anyways. Laughter and conversation filled the air while the tv played Christmas movies. When Brooklyn settled down she discreetly slipped her ring on and waited for the chaos to begin. The food was great, the boys were in the same room once again, but most importantly she was with Albert. Despite the time since the season ended she was busy with her senior year, though there were a few moments where they spent plenty of quality time together.

Every so often, she'd glance down to admire the little diamond and the way it shimmered in the warm glow of the Christmas lights. It was perfect, she couldn't have picked out a better one. The story of he got it was sweet. A bit spontaneous, sure, but it was in character for Albert to do such a thing. He thought about her when his focus was supposed to be on training camp. Though she always got a little boost of happiness when remembering that he was thinking of her. He's always doing little things for her. That's when she truly realized that he's, well, perfect.

She didn't think that was possible. That the perfect boyfriend only ever existed on paper, then he came along. T-shirt and worn out jeans with a backwards baseball cap. On the outside, he's loud and chaotic, a little bit of a bad boy streak. On the inside he's actually secretly sweet, a good listener and has such a go with the flow personality. Albert isn't the kind of guy Brooklyn imagined she'd end up with, but he's exactly what she needs. She couldn't have written a better man to spend the rest of her life with. This is only step one of the long life they have ahead. It isn't going to be easy, but at least they have each other.

"Al?"

"Baby."

"I love you."

Leaning down he kissed her temple. "Love you too gorgeous." cupping her cheek he pulled her in for a real kiss. He brushed back her hair with a love sick smile. Quickly, she kissed him once more before taking a bite out of a candied sweet potato. She did that cute little head dance she does when she's eating. It doesn't happen all the time, just when she's extra happy. Thanksgiving is after all one of her favorite holidays.

"Oh my gosh, Brooklyn!" Aurora all but squealed. "That ring is so pretty! Can I see? Where did you get it?"

Brooklyn extended her hand out for the bubbly blonde to get a better look. This caused a chain reaction of the rest of the girls to look as well. Those who were nearby of course. "This one has surprisingly good taste." she placed her right hand on his heart, which he took in his own and kissed her knuckles.

"Wait, what?" Isabelle asked. Secretly, she's Brooklyn's favorite among the girlfriend pool. "I'm sorry, he picked it out?

"Uh-huh." Brooklyn nodded.

"And that looks like it was pretty - OH MY GOSH!" she screamed.

"Are you two engaged!"

"WHAT?!" Mush and Race screamed at the same time. But it was obviously for different reasons.

"How dare you not tell me!" Race glared at Albert.

"Umm. you? How dare he not tell me! She's my sister."

"And he's my best friend so ha!"

"Your ha is overruled! Siblings over friendships!"

"Yeah well?" Race pulled out his wallet and slammed a card on the table. "Uno reverse!"

"Why do you carry that around?"

"Why don't you carry one around?"

"You idiots," Feister sighed. "How about we focus on the fact that Brook and Al are gettin' married."

"How about I throw the turkey at Al's head," Mush said brightly. A little too much for everyone's liking.

"Pull the skin off before you do that," Feister said mid-chew as if it was a normal occurrence for someone to get threatened by food throwing. "And if you are going to throw food, the roasted potatoes actually have better aerodynamics. But don't actually, I love roasted potatoes."

"Feisty!" Albert protested. "Don't give him any ideas."

"You're a six foot two, two hundred and somethin' pound first draft pick baseball player. I'm sure you can out run Mush."

"Feisty!" now it was Mush's turn to protest.

"I'm sorry, remind me again where you placed when we had to run track in gym class."

Instead of answering the question, Mush said, "When did this happen and why wasn't I the first to know."

"Um, hello! Why wasn't I the first to know?" Race argued. "That's my bro."

"And that's my sister."

'UNO REVERSE!"

"I REVERSE YOUR UNO REVERSE!"

"I promise you learn to love the chaos," Katherine said to the princess trio while the yelling continued in the background. By this point the boys were going back and forth. Ranging from congratulations from the calmer bunch, while everyone else fed into the Mush, Race and Albert debate. In the middle of it all Feister was enjoying her food. The years spent with these boys have trained her to drown out any and all noise so she can go about whatever it is she wants to do knowing fully that things will settle once they say what needs to be said. Though if Mush really did decide to throw the turkey at Albert she'd step in. Then again, getting knocked out with a turkey was a much more appealing option than say getting punched in the eye.

The yelling over food mixed in with chaos and complete nonsense, it was like they were back at the Lodge. Nowadays it's rare that they can all be in the same room at once, eating, laughing, yelling. It's a part of life, but there's a few in the room who probably wish they could have one more night at the Lodge together. Sometimes they paid a visit to the place they once called home, entertaining the new group of Duane Street kids and reassuring them that things would be ok and the friends they'll make there are some of the best even if it doesn't seem like that at first. Albert tried to run away during the first month he was there. The only times Elmer came out of his room was to eat or use the bathroom, and everyone knows Feister was close to tearing Mush a new one her first night.

"So," Brooklyn said as she sat down next to Feister while the chaos of the boys continued.

"So," Feister replied with a knowing look. "You ready to become Mrs. Brooklyn Dasilva."

"I was talking about them." Brooklyn gestured to the room.

"Oh don't worry bout them. The worst that'll happen to Al is he'll get apple cider or champagne poured over his head."

"That's not what I was saying either. I was talking about how uncomfortable the girls are looking.

"Sweetheart, if they wanna slum it with these nitwits they're gonna have to get used to a little chaos. Besides, it was you and Al's idea to drop the bomb so really."

"Thanks Feisty, you are so helpful."

"What can I say, I'm a genius." the two girls shared a laugh. There was no denying their friendship was among the stronger ranks in the group. "In all seriousness, I'm happy for you."

"You seem to be the only one that is."

"Hey, he's annoyin' but he's your brother. He's just lookin' out for you."

"I know. But he doesn't have to dump the champagne on my future husband either."

"Please, I know an empty threat when I see one." Feister waved off as she popped a small piece of turkey into her mouth.

"Are you sure about that?" Brooklyn asked, pointing to where Mush and Albert stood in the middle of the room. The height difference was kind of amusing. But only a little bit.

"Mush put that down!" Feister yelled. She wasted no time in passing her plate over to Brooklyn before she jumped into action. And by that, I mean she attached herself on Mush's back while reaching for the bottle in question. "Hand it over Meyers before I drown you in it!"

Author's note

A little bit of love mixed with some good ole newsie holiday chaos. Any chance I get to showcase the other boys you better believe I'll do it. Of course there's a sprinkle of Meister. Just because they're married does not mean their….weird ways have settled. Though there seems to be more, shall we say, odd arguments rather than angry ones. The main star is Alblyn and their little engagement announcement. I think what I loved most is Mush accepting Albert is with his sister, then suddenly going into big brother mode. Hope you guys enjoyed and thanks for reading. I'll see you in the next chapter.