Chapter 46: Held Close and I Love Yous
Robyn POV
We wandered through the Marvel section a little longer, and that's when I spotted another comic that caught my attention— The Incredible Hulk. I'd seen the 2008 movie before, but I hadn't realized there was a whole comic series. Apparently, it had been around since 1972, with tons of issues I'd never even heard of. Excited, I added it to the basket alongside my other pick, and we made our way toward the cozy corner, hoping the others were already there.
On the way, I told Emmett about how Marvel movies would eventually blow up into a massive franchise and how the Hulk would become one of the most recognizable superheroes. To my surprise, he actually seemed interested—really listening, not just humoring me the way most people did when I started rambling about comics and superhero movies. The way he paid attention, like what I said actually mattered, left a strange, light feeling in my chest. It was unfamiliar, but… nice.
When we walked through the cozy corner archway, I saw them sharing a single beanbag, comfortably tangled together. Faye, who seemed to be in control at the moment, was curled up sideways on Rose's lap, absorbed in her book. Rose rested her chin on top of Faye's head, her arms wrapped around her seemingly content with just holding her close.
That looks nice. Comfortable. Safe.
But as we approached, their cozy bubble seemed to pop, their expressions shifting from relaxed contentment to quiet concern.
My footsteps faltered, a knot tightening in my chest. Had I messed up somehow? My mind raced, trying to pinpoint the mistake.
What if they were tired of me?
What if I'm really am just in the way—
Before I could spiral further, Faye moved—launching herself into me with a firm, grounding hug. My arms instinctively wrapped around her, though I was still confused.
"Faye?" I asked, my voice quieter than I intended.
She didn't answer, just held on tighter—anchoring me to the moment, to her. Was she… comforting me?
I barely had time to process before soft hands brushed against my cheeks, tilting my head up. My breath hitched as I met Rose's golden eyes, filled with quiet concern.
Rose's touch was impossibly gentle, her cool fingers steady against my skin making me lean forward. She studied me with a softness that made my chest ache.
"What happened, little bird?" she murmured.
I blinked at her, confusion flickering through me. "What?"
Instead of answering, she let her thumb sweep lightly beneath my eye. That's when I felt it—the slight sting, the telltale warmth.
My eyes were probably red because of when I cried earlier.
Oh.
They weren't worried because I did something wrong. They were worried because I had cried.
I swallowed, my throat suddenly tight as I squeezed Faye a bit tighter.
"I'm fine," I said quickly, too quickly.
Rose didn't look convinced. Neither did Faye, who still hadn't let go.
"I just… had a moment," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'm okay now. Em helped me."
Rose didn't argue. Her fingers lingered on my cheek, then she gave a soft nod. Without a word, she pulled me into a gentle hug, squeezing Faye between us. Faye didn't seem to mind, though. I rested my head against Rose's shoulder, the scent of lavender calming my racing thoughts.
We stayed in the quiet until Rose pulled back just enough to meet my eyes. I held back the whimper threatening to escape, resisting the urge to cling to the comfort, unsure if I was ready to let it go. It was a feeling I wasn't familiar with, but a part of me wished I could stay like this forever.
She brushed her fingers against my cheek again, and I couldn't help but close my eyes, the softness of her touch making everything feel lighter, even for a second.
"How about you go sit on the beanbag with your sisters, sweetheart? You can share the books you picked out. I need to talk to Em for a minute."
Her words made my eyes snap open, a cold wave of panic creeping in. Am I in trouble? The thought latched onto me with the familiar weight of dread, settling heavy in my chest. Did I mess up? Or worse—did I get Emmett in trouble? He didn't do anything wrong. He helped me—
Before I could spiral any deeper, Rosalie must have noticed the change in my breathing. She stepped closer, pulling me gently back into her arms. Her scent enveloped me, grounding me in the moment, and she swayed us side to side. Her fingers ran softly through my hair, each movement soothing the panic, until my body began to relax against hers.
"Easy, little bird," she murmured, her voice warm and steady—a steady anchor. "No one's in trouble. I just need to check in with Emmett for a minute. It won't take long."
The words seeped in slowly, loosening the tight knot in my chest. The panic didn't vanish instantly, but the way she held me—solid, certain, safe—made it easier to breathe.
Noticing my lingering tension, she adjusted her approach. Gently, she eased away, her touch both delicate and reassuring as she carefully guided Faye off me. "Hey, why don't you show your sister those books you picked out? I'm sure she'd love to cuddle with you on the beanbag," Rosalie suggested, her tone light and encouraging.
Faye hesitated but nodded, her hand gently finding mine as she tugged me toward the beanbag where they were sitting. I glanced back at Rose and Emmett, worry still bubbling in my chest, but they gave me reassuring smiles, their eyes full of warmth and encouragement. It was enough to make my anxiety ease, just a little.
When we reached the beanbag, Faye gave me a gentle nudge, guiding me to sit down. As soon as I did, I was enveloped in the familiar scent of wilderness and lavender, the comforting aroma that made everything feel a little safer. Faye then flopped onto my lap, curling up sideways just like she had earlier with Rose, the weight of her body kept me grounded.
"Are you sure you're okay?" she murmured, her gaze searching mine. I nodded, offering what I hoped was a reassuring smile. "Yeah, I'm okay."
I pulled her into a hug, holding her close. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to worry you."
She didn't reply, only nuzzling into me, her quiet presence more comforting than any words could be.
We stayed like that for a while, the warmth between us quiet and steady, until I felt her shift slightly in my lap. Curious, I glanced down—only to meet a pair of glowing blue eyes filled with concern.
"Are you sure you're alright, Bryn?" Ivy mumbled softly.
I opened my mouth to reassure her, but my brain snagged on something else entirely.
Bryn?
The name echoed in my head, unfamiliar yet… oddly warm. No one had ever called me that before. It felt different—unexpected—but not in a bad way.
It felt… nice.
I glanced down at her, a strange warmth curling in my chest. I wanted to hear it again, just to make sure I hadn't imagined it.
"What did you just call me?"
Ivy stiffened, her eyes widening slightly as a bright flush crept up her neck. She fumbled with her words, her voice cracking. "I—uh, I didn't mean… I just—was asking if you were okay?" She rushed through the words, clearly — and badly — to cover up what had just slipped out. Her voice squeaked through every word, making it obvious how embarrassed she was.
Before I could ask more, Ivy ducked her head, burying her face into my shoulder. I couldn't help but smile at her attempt to dodge the conversation.
I huffed out a quiet laugh, the warmth in my chest growing. "You totally just called me something," I teased, squeezing Ivy lightly.
She groaned dramatically, tightening her arms around me as she tried to burrow further into my shoulder. "No, I didn't."
You did, Faye chimed in, voice full of amusement. I heard it too.
"Traitor," Ivy muttered, though there was no real heat in it.
I smirked, tilting my head slightly to try and peek at her face. "Bryn, huh?" I tested the name, letting it roll off my tongue.
Ivy let out a muffled whine. "Forget it. You probably hate it, so let's just pretend it never happened."
"Well, I don't mind it," I admitted, nudging her again. "Actually… I kind of like it."
That got her attention. Ivy peeked up at me, her blue eyes filled with something hesitant, like she wasn't sure if she'd crossed some invisible line. Like she was waiting for me to take it back.
I sighed, tugging her closer before pressing a quick, firm kiss to the top of her head. "I like it, dummy," I murmured into her hair, letting the warmth in my chest settle. "No need to look so nervous about it." Then, with a playful tone, I added, "How about I call you Vee? Sound fair?"
Ivy squeaked, her body going rigid before she flailed in my arms. "Ack—what the—ugh, gross! Sister cooties!"
I smirked, thoroughly pleased with myself. "Oh no, was that too affectionate for you, Vee?"
Faye outright cackled, while Ivy shoved at me weakly, her face burning red. "You suck, Robyn! I can practically feel my coolness going away," she whined, though she didn't actually pull away.
I just hummed, smug. "I thought I was Bryn?"
Ivy scowled but didn't argue, which only made my grin widen.
Settling back against the beanbag, I gave her a pointed look. "But it's just an Ivy thing, okay? Keep it between us." Then, I smiled, before playfully adding. "Don't let Emmett hear it, or I'll never hear the end of his teasing."
Ivy perked up at that, a gleam in her eye. "Really?! I get exclusive privileges?"
"Yeah, yeah. Don't let it go to your head."
Ivy opened her mouth—probably to gloat—but before she could, Faye suddenly took control. Her pout was immediate, her expression shifting in a way that made my stomach twist.
I frowned, instinctively tightening my arms around her. Something was off. "What's wrong, Faye?"
She hesitated for only a second before her pout deepened. "You gave Ivy a special nickname," she pointed out, her lower lip jutting out just slightly. "What about me?"
Oh.
A soft chuckle escaped me as I released a breath I hadn't known I was holding.
I rested my chin on the top of her head, then leaned back to look down at her, my smile softening. "You want one too, huh?"
Faye huffed, crossing her arms, though she didn't pull away. "Yeah, I do."
Her chestnut brown eyes locked onto mine, expectant yet unsure, like she wasn't sure she was allowed to ask for something like this.
Something inside me ached at that.
Gently, I reached up and brushed a few stray strands of hair away from her face, taking my time, as if the right name would come to me if I just looked at her long enough. "Alright," I murmured, voice warm with certainty. "How about… FayFay?"
Faye blinked. "FayFay?"
I nodded. "Yeah. It suits you."
She tilted her head, considering, and for a moment, I wondered if she'd reject it. But then, the smallest, pleased smile tugged at her lips. "Okay," she murmured. "Yeah. I like it."
Relief spread through me, and I let out another quiet chuckle. "Good. Because that's what I'm calling you now."
Faye hummed, pressing closer, her fingers curling into my shirt. I felt the way she relaxed into me, how she held on just a little tighter—like the name meant more than she let on.
Then, with a playful glint in her eye, she tilted her head up slightly. "Since you call me FayFay… can I call you RyeRye?"
I blinked, caught off guard. "RyeRye?" I repeated, testing the name as it rolled off my tongue. It was unexpected—but strangely endearing.
A slow smile tugged at my lips as warmth spread through my chest. I nudged her gently, pressing a brief, lingering kiss to her temple.
"Yeah," I murmured, my voice soft and sure. "I don't mind that. RyeRye's a good name."
Faye hummed in approval, her fingers still curled into my shirt as she nestled in closer.
I heard Ivy let out a content sigh, her voice softer now, the teasing from earlier gone. Love you, Bryn, she murmured.
Before I could even process it, Faye followed suit. "Yeah, love you, RyeRye."
I froze.
A lump caught in my throat. They said it so easily, so naturally, like it was the most obvious thing in the world. It shouldn't have felt so strange to hear, but it did. I couldn't even remember the last time someone had told me they loved me. It felt like I was hearing something I didn't deserve.
Faye didn't even react—she just snuggled in closer, like she already knew they loved me. Like it wasn't even a question.
Something in my chest tightened.
I swallowed hard, the tightness in my throat making it hard to speak. "Yeah," I mumbled, my voice softer than I intended as I hugged them tighter. "Love you guys too."
