Toni

Nico pulled down a lane that was lined with big, white houses; one grander than the next. The trees that ran along the street reminded her they were no longer in their beach town. The chilly temperatures that hit her body when he helped her from his car were her second clue.

"It's freezing here." She shivered and he pulled his jacket from the backseat and wrapped it around her body. He was always doing things like that for her; taking care of her every need even before she knew what she needed.

"Yeah, sorry, baby. I forgot about the temperature change. We can run out and pick you up a few things while we're here." Nico pulled their bags from the trunk and allowed Toni to take his arm. She was grateful to him for not leaving her in the lurch. Honestly, she was nervous as hell to meet his parents, but she wasn't sure quite why. She was worried they might judge her for jumping into bed with a virtual stranger, but Nico wasn't technically that for her. The whole situation was so complicated and confusing that it sometimes made her head swim just thinking about it.

"If you feel uncomfortable for any reason, just say the word and we can find a hotel to stay at," he offered. She nodded; thankful he was so thoughtful.

"I'm sure everything will work out, Nico," she said. Nico paused midway up the stairs when his father and mother appeared on the large screened-in porch. Toni almost wanted to say the same words back to him, but she knew they wouldn't matter. She saw the determination on Nico's handsome face, and she knew there would be no way that he would back down and leave with his tail between his legs. He saw his relationship with his parents as a challenge and she was beginning to see Nico liked a challenge. He was determined to see them through, and she had a feeling that was how he felt about his visit home. Nico would see it through to the end.

"Just breathe," she whispered.

"Thanks, honey, but I'm fine," he lied.

"I was talking to myself." She giggled. Nico chuckled and she was happy she could do that for him, be what he needed in the moment.

"Thanks, baby. I needed that," he whispered in her ear. She couldn't help herself, she turned and kissed his cheek, not caring that his parents were watching them both, seeming to scrutinize their every move. She wouldn't let Nico's parents or anyone else tell her what she should or shouldn't do, that wasn't who she was.

"Nico!" His mother beamed. She seemed so happy to see her son, even pulling him into her arms to squeeze tight. His father was less enthusiastic about having his only son home, dryly saying his name and holding out his hand for a stiff handshake. Nico obliged, but Toni could see the disappointment in his eyes. She wondered if his parents could see that same desire she saw in their son's beautiful brown eyes. Whenever she looked into them, she saw all of Nico's desires to be loved and accepted and now was no different. He wanted that from both of his parents and her heart ached for him. She knew what that felt like. She had felt that same way about her relationship with her father, especially after her mother passed away.

"Mom and Dad, this is Toni," he introduced her. "My girlfriend," he quickly added.

"Well, it is so nice to meet you, Toni." His mother pulled her in for an awkward side hug. Toni smiled and nodded, not sure what to say.

"A pleasure, Toni," Mr. Andrews said. He wore the same bland expression he had when he greeted his son and she almost wanted to giggle. She was starting to see where Nico got his serious side from. She had only been with Nico for a couple of weeks now, but sometimes, he was so serious she wanted to laugh. Another wave of déjà vu hit her, and she felt a little lightheaded. Nico dropped his bag and pulled her against his body.

"Easy, honey, are you all right?" he asked.

Toni tried to smile, but Nico didn't look as though he was buying it. "Honestly, I'm a little light-headed. I'm probably just tired from the long drive. I'd love to lay down if that's all right," she said.

Mrs. Andrews flanked her other side and wrapped an arm around her waist, helping her into the house. Mr. Andrews grabbed their bags from Nico and carried them in.

"I'm assuming we'll be in my old room?" Nico asked. His mother nodded and shot her father a look that told Toni their son having a guest stay in the same room as him might not be something they were happy with.

Nico didn't seem to miss the look either and groaned, "Please don't tell me you're going to evoke some crazy rule that I can't sleep in the same bed as my girlfriend," he growled, mostly toward his father. "You know I'm an adult now, right?"

His father looked like he wanted to protest, but he was holding back his argument. Toni was grateful they didn't get into everything while standing in the hallway. She was feeling woozy and just wanted to lie down.

"Nico, I think you should help Toni," his mother said. "She looks a little pale." Nico cursed and lifted her into his arms. Toni cuddled into his hold, loving how safe she felt with him. He carried her down the hall and into a big room. His parents put their stuff in and shut the door on their way back out, giving him and Toni privacy.

"Thank you," Toni whispered against his neck.

"Baby, you don't ever have to thank me for taking care of you," Nico said.

"I love you," she murmured, just as her world went dark around her.