The charity game had arrived. The arena was packed with hockey and figure skater fans alike. Warm ups were long over, the boys were geared up and ready for a beat down despite the fact it was nothing more than a good natured game to raise money. But when the school's biggest rival, the Brooklyn Bobcats, sitting on the visitor bench then some thirst for blood is necessary. Nixie was slowly breathing in and out as she went over her routine in her head. Naturally, she was scared. Not because she was opening up a show but because of the fact she was doing something her mother and the unofficial dance team introduced way back in the day. She's seen old videos of her mother and eight other girls dancing their hearts out on the field, during pep rallies and such. While it didn't die down it was changed over the years once the group left. There was a whole story about how it was something fun, turned to bad luck, to everyone loving it and seeing it as lucky. Talk about complicated.

"Ready to shine out there Nix?" Logan asked, shoving her shoulder with a gloved hand. Technically he didn't have to be on the bench just yet what kind of brother would he be if he didn't watch his little sister? Even if she's a complete brat.

Her hair was down in soft waves while it was pinned back at the sides so it wouldn't get in the way when she did her tricks. The sparkly number she was wearing was short. But that was a given for safety reasons and all that. On the bright side it was long sleeved. Though there was a cut out on the side with a mesh fabric and rhinestones covering it. Oh and there was also a deep v that ended around her belly button area. Of course there was more mesh and rhinestones and it absolutely killed him that his teammates were about to see his sister like this.

Dad was right, why couldn't she have taken up softball? But this is what she loves and Logan really cant fault her for that. He's the one holding a hockey stick inside of a baseball bat after all. While he didn't like seeing Nixie in such a tiny outfit, there was no denying she looked pretty. It was sort of a deep purple color at the top that slowly lightened in shade downward. The skirt then faded into a magenta and periwinkle blue shade. Not to mention the millions of sparkles. Her makeup was slightly bold yet still natural. It was so her facial expression could be seen better from a far.

Before Nixie could speak the house lights went down. That was her cue. With one last smile from her brother she started to make her way to the ice. She stopped at the little door, waiting for the go ahead. Just like she rehearsed a million times.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen," the announcer began. "And welcome to tonight's charity game, World Warriors against the Brooklyn Bobcats, with the Lower Manhattan figure skaters. All money that's earned will be going to the Foster Funding for Arts and Athletes, a non profit organization that helps foster kids get the equipment they need for after school activities. Whether it be for sports or art, the double F and A proudly helps kids follow their dreams. Now if I may direct your attention to center ice please give a warm welcome to Nixie Dasilva." with a deep breath she skated onto the ice. "We at Lower Manhattan Rink give her a warm welcome as she opens up the night."

Taking her starting position she stayed still for the next few seconds as the music started up. Mentally keeping her fingers crossed she doesn't screw up. "Hello," she mouthed with the opening of the song as she gave a cute wave to the crowd. "Here we go, say woah…." and she was off. Everything else disappeared. It was only the music in the air and sleek ice beneath her feet.

"Oh my gosh," Brooklyn breathed as she watched her daughter fly across the arena. "Al," she touched his arm. "Did you know she was-"

"No idea baby," Albert replied without taking his eyes off the ice. There's a long standing history with this particular song. One that the unofficial dance team would sometimes open up the baseball games with. Brooklyn was apart of this little group of course. After the girls graduated it sort of died down according to Romeo back in the day, but it had left an impact nonetheless. "I told you a long time ago, she's all you."

"She's both of us," Brooklyn replied. Up on the screen it was suddenly split. There, side by side was an old video of her dancing while Nixie skated. Obviously there was a difference, but it was clear Nixie did her best to keep some of the original moves. Mostly in the hand since the routine wasn't meant for skates.

Over at the home bench the team had filed out to watch the opener. While Logan did threaten to smash anyone who dare say anything about his sister there were still a few cheers and whistles that clearly annoyed him. "What, she's gorgeous," a freshmen said innocently. "Look at her go man. I think I'm in love."

"Eyeballs in their sockets kid fore I let my mom's batshit crazy rip 'em out." Logan warned. "And trust me, that's the much better option than what I'll do to you if you think about her in that way." he sent a cold hard glare at the kid to make sure the message was clear as day.

Meanwhile, Hunter stayed completely silent on the matter. He was too captivated by the girl on the ice. The way she glided looked as if she was floating on air. He knew the feeling, though the way she did it looked a thousand times more graceful. How many times has he watched her practice? Slide around the living room in those ugly socks she loves so much. When the outro played it was like she was in her own world and he couldn't take her eyes off her.

Shine. That's what Nixie does. Just like the hook of the song she shines out there. Even without all the glitter and rhinestones she draws attention when she's out there. Beauty, grace, and her brother will kick him in the face if he knew what was running through his mind. It was all good of course, but Hunter can't deny she's beautiful. When the music came to an end Nixie did her signature finish. Bowing to all four points of the arena, then, with both her hands she sent a kiss around the room, spinning as she did so with a final, elegant bow before skating off.

"That's my baby sister!" Logan shouted as he slung an arm around her.

"Our baby sister," Tyler corrected from his seat behind home bench. "Killed it as always Nix." he winked. "I don't care what dad says, you would've sucked at softball."

"And how is that reassuring?" Nixie asked.

"Because I don't have to keep my guys away from you," Tyler smirked. "Sucks to be you Logan."

"I'll send Paprika after you if you don't can it," Logan warned.

Ignoring the rules about not crossing the line Albert got up from his seat and pulled his daughter into a dad hug. "Proud of you princess. Even if I have to set every teenage boy here straight about not getting any notions." he sent a glare to the team who all looked away and pretended they were busy with something.

"I already gave them the speech," Logan reassured. "None of these suckers are good enough for her anyways."

"Leave the poor girl alone," Brooklyn said, shoving both her husband and son. To her daughter she said, "you really did that?"

"Yeah," Nixie breathed. "You always told me that was one of your favorite dances to cover. Thought it was time I put my own spin on it. You know, since the unofficial team can't bring it on the ice."

"I hate to break this up, but you can't be in here," coach interrupted. "I still have a game to win."

"It's a charity game," Brooklyn reminded. "It's not about competition."

"It's the Bobcats!" the coach, Albert, and several of the helmet heads said.

All Brooklyn could do was sigh. "Why do I even bother."

As Nixie began to take her leave she felt a hand gently touch her arm. Turning around she was met with Hunter's soft gaze. "You were amazing Nix."

Grateful that it was cold and she just spent three-ish minutes spinning and gliding on the ice, Nixie felt her cheeks burn up even more. "Thanks," she replied, playing it off like it was nothing. "No go on out there and kick those Bobcats. I still got a few more routines up my sleeve." she started to take a few steps away when she stopped to look over her shoulder. "You're still coming over tonight, right?"

"Isn't it your family dinner night."

"And it's our study night. And don't worry about the other thing, Ty's bringing his girlfriend and I think my uncle Race and his clan are coming over. So it's not the main one if you get my drift."

Hunter really didn't. He lived with his Aunt who had no children of her own and his uncle had died when he was young. So it was just the two of them. That's the biggest difference between his world and Nixie's. She comes from money and has this big family where he's just another average city kid. "Maybe, my aunt might want to do something."

"Ok, just let me know if either way."

"Five minutes, I want clean hands."

"Why're you lookin' at me for?"

"Show me your knuckles," Brooklyn said in a motherly tone she's mastered ever since the twins popped out. Wordless, Logan held out his hands and sure enough, there were tiny red marks from where his skin was nicked off. "That's what I thought. Go wash."

"Why are you always ragging on me for?" Logan asked as he started to walk backwards in the direction of the bathroom.

"Because your brother knows how to scrub the dirt off his knuckles and Nixie understands the importance of moisturizing her hands," Brooklyn replied. Once that was done she set the basket of fresh garlic knots on the table before heading back to the kitchen where Feister was busy chopping up cucumbers for the salad.

"You have a way with words Freckles. I can barely get Ethan to put down the toilet seat down after he's done." she shook her head, causing her side braid to swoop over her shoulder. "I swear that boy has selective hearin'."

"Logan plays it off like he's too cool for school, but it's all an act," Brooklyn said as she took a sip of her lemon water with the fancy ice she made the previous day. It had mint leaves frozen inside the little spheres.

"Just like his father," Feister smirked in reply. "I dunno what that means for Ethan. Mush claims he's all me but I don't see it."

"Oh please," Harper, Race's wife said with a roll of the eyes. "He's exactly like you. Race has told me stories."

"Hmm and did he tell you bout the time how he and her idiot husband-" she jerked her thumb to Brooklyn. "Signed me up for a beauty pageant."

"No so much that but more on the lines of you still seaking your revenge to this day," Harper said, popping a cucumber into her mouth.

"Nightmare the two of 'em. Sometimes I dunno which one is dumber." Feister paused for a moment. "Race. Al is the holder of half of the brain cell they share. And even then, that half of a cell is fightin' for its little life."

Over in the living room, Tyler was in a heated video game match against Ethan and little Noah Higgins. It was obvious he was letting them win in order to keep them quiet and out of the kitchen while dinner was being made. The last thing anyone needed was having the two boys run around causing trouble. Nixie was sprawled out on the couch, looking a little sadly at her phone while the husbands were cheering their boys on. It was some sort of bracket challenge they had going on. Adults against kids that had very complicated rules from back in the Lodge days. Feister tried explaining it to Harper and Brooklyn but in the end it was a "you had to be there when it was invented" thing.

"After this round it's time to eat!" Brooklyn called over the noise.

"Yeah sure."

"Ok."

"We're almost done."

"Why the glum face Nix?" Riley asked as she plopped down on the empty spot beside her cousin.

"It's study night, and my buddy didn't want to come over cause it's family dinner. Told him it was ok though but i think these things make him uncomfortable." the only reason Nixie found herself admitting this was not only is Riley easy to talk too, but the boys, her father included, were too distracted to notice them.

"Ah, I see." Riley nodded. "Don't lose sleep over it. It's not the end of the world."

"Yeah, I know but it's just…it's.."

"Complicated," Riley finished. "If you knew the stories I'm hiding up here your head would explode"

That got Nixie to laugh. It did seem like Riley was the go to person for advice. She had this friendly way about her that made people get things off their chest without worrying about being judged. From the corner of her eye she saw Logan had come back from his hand washing adventure and Tinsley sighten up in her seat. She casually fixed her blonde hair, pretending to look invested in the video game between the guys. "Speaking of complicated."

"If Uncle Race didn't walk in when he did they would totally be together by now," Riley whispered. "I dunno who likes who more."

"Oh Logan is definitely smitten, but he doesn't wanna admit it."

"The whole mysterious act must get tiring. At least Tyler wears his heart on his sleeve."

"Actually he was pretty shy when he admitted his feelings," Bridget said, leaning over the couch. She caught just enough of the conversation to know what was going on. Naturally, she was wearing a pair of jeans and one of Tyler's hoodies. Resting her arms on top of the couch she began to play with the sleeves as she said, "he had this adorable boyish look."

"Ok gross. We've gone too far, that's still my brother we're talking about," Nixie said, making the other two girls laugh.

"Hell yeah baby!" Ethan shouted, jumping up on the couch when he came in first place and Tyler came in sixth. "That's what I'm f-"

"Language!" Mush scolded.

"Flipping dad," Ethan argued. "I was gonna say flipping."

"Yeah sure kid." Mush crossed his arm.

"I was!"

"Join the hockey team little guy," Logan said, punching his little cousin's shoulder. "You can get away with all the swears in the world. It's a part of the job."

"So is getting smashed and the next thing you know you're in the ER hooked up to every machine like you're some sort of test subject," Tyler replied. "Baseball is where the real fun is."

"Baseball is boring," Noah said with pure disgusted in his voice. "And slow."

"That's what he said folks," Mush laughed.

"Ah can it Meyers," Albert grumbled. "It's called America's pass time for a reason."

"Oh is that why it's so slow?" Race smirked.

"Who's side are you on Higgins?" Albert asked.

"Dinner!" Brooklyn's voice rang through the air. In an instant, Ehtan and Noah ran off at the sound of food. Tyler saved the game for when they'd return and headed off with everyone else to the table. Taking a seat beside his girlfriend he gently ran his thumb over her knuckles.

"Nixie," Brooklyn said quietly before they sat down with everyone else. "Where's Hunter? It's study night, right? He was welcomed to come. And if you were worried about dad and your brother I would've handled it."

"Something came up," was Nixie's only reply before she took an empty spot beside Riley.

It was clear her daughter was disappointed but Brooklyn wasn't about to push the matter. These things are rather sensitive for a teenage girl. Taking the last open seat, which of course was beside Albert. Gently, he brushed back her hair, letting his fingers skim across her skin. "Dig in everyone." wordlessly everyone started to fill their plates, the boys taking much larger portions. The twins because they burn a lot of energy while it was clear Ethan and Noah were growing like weeds. Nixie took a big helping of seasoned veggies and potatoes. Though Brooklyn wasn't sure if it was to stay on track with her meal plan or because she wanted to drown her sorrows.

"Garlic knot?" Logan asked, holding out the basket to Tinsley. "Dip it in the potato oil, tastes great." his voice came out deeper than he meant it too.

"The last time you told me to dip something it tasted horrible," Tinsely replied, taking a few knots and setting them at the edge of her plate.

"Or maybe your taste buds have gone bad with all those sour bears you inhale."

"They're delicious."

"You're a psycho."

"Says the helmet head," Tinsely shot back.

"Too stubborn for your own good Higgins," he said with a deep chuckle.

"Same could be said about you Dasilva," she replied with sweetness dripping off each word.

"You little brat!" Tyler yelled out as he suddenly stood up. Almost knocking over the chair as he did so. Paprika jumped up on the table and made a beeline for his food. To which he quickly nabbed her before so much as a lick could be made. Holding the now squirming cat away from his body he plopped the little creature back on the floor, summing every ounce not to kick the flee bag. But he did mutter a few swears under his breath.

"You have beef with a cat," Nixie said with a sigh.

"She's the devil with fur," Tyler tried to argue as he ripped off a piece of a bread roll and angrily chewed on it.

"Yeah, I'm the normal twin," Logan added, sending a quick wink to Tinsely.

"Oh sweetie," Tinsely said. Reaching up she patted his head like he was a toddler. "You're both strange."

Whatever the blonde beauty said it went in one ear and out the other. His brain was malfunctioning, glitching, short circuiting. A combination of all three perhaps. Either way he liked the way her fingers felt when they brushed through his hair. Those blue eyes were bright and full of innocence but there was something else behind them as well. Coy maybe. Oh who was he kidding, he couldn't think straight. And it was just a stupid little touch.

"Easy Racer," Feister said with a smugness on her face and a smirk on her lips. "If you hold that fork any tighter it's gonna snap in half." she was clearly enjoying Race trying his best to stay calm at the sight of Tinsely and Logan having some sort of moment. It was about time those two got together any - and now she's starting to sound like Kid Blink. Wonderful.

"I'm just gonna, take this away." slowly, Harper eased the knife out of his husband's hand and set it as far away as possible as she could.

Sadly, somebody wasn't as subtle. "Boo get a room!" that was Tyler. He had cupped his hands over his mouth for extra effect. "There are children present."

"Is this the guy you write about in your diary Tinny?"

"You read my diary?!" Tinsely roared, her angry stare directed at her nosy little brother.

"You wrote about me in your diary?" Logan asked, not bothering to hide his smirk.

"Oh yeah," Noah said with a wide, happy smile. "She goes on and on about how hot you look before a fight is about to break out and how it's cute when you-"

"Zip it freak!" Tinsely snapped, throwing a garlic knot at Noah.

"Hey no throwing food!" Harper scolded. "For heaven's sake you're eighteen."

"Well he started it," Tinsely grumbled. Taking in a deep breath she put on her calm smile. Which was the scariest thing she can grace people with. Slowly as she stood she folded her napkin, placing it back on the table. Straightening out her back she said, "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go find some place to curl up and die." without another word she walked off.

"No, Tins wait," Logan called out, chasing after her. If it wasn't for his quick reflexes his fingers would be smashed between the door.

"How safe is it to mix vodka and tequila together?" Race asked after two minutes of silence.

Author's note

This did not go as planned but man do I love the out come. Seriously you guys, the dinner scene was so much fun to write and I hope you enjoyed the chaos as much as I did. On the bright side, Tyler's the only one who doesn't have relationship problems. But he does have cat problems so there is that. As always I hope you enjoyed, thanks for reading and I'll see you next time.