Kyra's lips were the best taste in the world, especially after being deprived of them for the amount of time I had been.

"Babe, relax," she chuckled into my lips, causing a smile the tug lightly at the edges of my mouth due to the familiar sound. I gently gripped the back of her neck, holding her there for a moment before I pulled away.

"What? I missed you."

She rolled her eyes but leaned into my arms nonetheless. Her body heat was welcomed against the cool New York air. Her familiar scent was welcomed too. It was a familiar constant throughout this crazy, changing moment of my life.

"Don't mind us over here doing all the heavy lifting," Padre complained as he lifted another suitcase into the trunk of our car in the airport parking lot. Kyra had surprised me by being there waiting for me when I landed and I hadn't been able to keep myself off her since. She was the definition of perfect.

A blush stained her cheeks as she pulled herself from my arms. "Here, let me help, Mr. Williams," she offered as she approached to help. Kyra was one of the few people my fathers let shorten our last name since it was so long.

"Thanks, Kyra, but I sure wish my son would help."

I shrugged. "You literally have five people working on it."

"Six now," Kyra corrected as she put a bag in the trunk.

"I think I like you more than I like Addison right now," Papa said as a jab, causing me to roll my eyes with obvious faux-frustration before I picked up the last bag and put it in before I closed the trunk, causing Azzy to dramatically clap.

"Thank you for your chivalrous help," she deadpanned.

"You're welcome," I said with a sweet smile, causing Kyra to punch me. "Ow!"

"Stop being such a butt," she playfully chastised before she turned to my parents. "Would you mind if I took him for a bit?"

"I don't know if he's earned Kyra time," Padre said.

"Padre," I whined. "Per favore? Mi dispiace. Lo aggiusterò. Per favore (Please? I'm sorry. I'll fix it. Please)?"

My fathers looked at each other, silently communicating. After a few moments, Padre sighed and I had to keep my smile at bay. I'd cracked him. "Fine. But, you're going to clean up after dinner."

My face dropped. Every night we had a family meal that we made by scratch and by the time we were done, it would look like world war 3 and 4 happened at the same time. It was terrible.

"Dad-" I'd started but everyone was already in the car.

"Have fun kids. Remember to keep all the doors open and under no circumstances are you two allowed to do any special hugging-"

"Dad!" I said, quickly cutting him off out of embarrassment as Kyra's cheek's tinted pink. My siblings were cracking up in the backseat and I had to resist the urge to flip them off like I usually did when my parents and Kyra weren't around.

Papa chuckled. "Alright Noah, I think we've embarrassed him enough."

"Maybe next time he'll load in the suitcases," Padre said with a petty grin before he rolled up the window.

Sometimes I just wanted to-

Kyra chuckled. "You're family is hilarious," she said, turning in the direction of her car that was a few parking spaces away.

I scuffed. "You only think that because you don't have to deal with them every day."

"I would love to have your family over mine. Humor, food, you're still connected to your roots-" I opened her car door, causing her to give me a nod of thanks as she stepped in, "-not to mention that your siblings are adorable."

I chuckled. "They're demons." She rolled her eyes before I closed the door and hurried around to the passenger side.

"Hold up," I said as she turned on the engine. I watched in the side view mirrors as my family's car pulled out and disappeared.

"What?" She innocently asked.

I smiled, leaned over the middle console and gently kissed her. She let out the adorable chuckle I'd grown to love as she slung her arms around my neck.

She pulled away, a smile decorating her porcelain face. "Later," she said before she gave me one more quick peck and buckled in before pulling the car out.

Once we got into a steady flow of traffic, she took one hand off the wheel and put it on my knee like she usually did. "The football game on Friday was insane," she said. "Northwood was tough. They played dirty too. You know Harvey?" I nodded grinning to myself at how animated she was becoming. She acted like I hadn't been playing football with Harvey since middle school, but I didn't point it out. "This giant straight up clothes lined him in the middle of a play. He didn't even try to hide it. It was unbelievable. And Georgie, ugh Georgie..." she chuckled and shook her head. "Bless him, he was running around like a chicken with its head cut off all of first quarter, but then he got it together. Brandon did a good job with the boys, but not as good as you. It was a good game overall."

I nodded. "Do you think you guys will be ready for nationals?"

Her eyes lit up at the mention of her dance team. "I think so," she said. "When we ran our dances at the game, the audience seemed to receive it well. We just need to tighten up formations and sync up our turns, but other than that, we're golden."

"I'm glad to hear that babe."

"You wanna catch a movie? I know the new Disruptor movie is out, you wanna catch it?"

I opened my mouth to respond but I quickly shut it, remembering that not too long ago, I'd promised Tyler that I'd go see it with him. Just at the very thought of him, a weird feeling settled in my stomach. "I would, but I already told Ty I'd go see it with him."

"Who's that?" She innocently asked.

"He's on the football team. He's a running back."

"Oh, yeah I know who that is," she said with a nod. "I talked to him for a bit during the last game. He's pretty nice."

I nodded, though there wasn't anything that I wanted more than for the subject of the conversation to change.

"How about this: we can stop by the bodega near my house, buy way too much junk food, and crash in my bed and binge watch bad Netflix movies?"

Another smile spread across my face. "Perfect."

We slowly made our way through the congested streets until we parked in front of her family's townhouse. She killed the engine and we both got out and started on our journey to the bodega. As we walked hand in hand, I looked around me at my familiar home, the beautifully busy New York. I hadn't realized how much I loved it until I was stuck in the middle of nowhere. Wedged between the tall buildings and floods of people, I felt secure, but in a small house with miles and miles of practically nothing, I felt suffocated by the emptiness. Weird.

Thick traffic that clogged the streets, an ordered chaos where cars jumped in front of others and a chorus of horns filled the air. A sea of people cluttered the sidewalks, all trapped in their own universes wearing everything from casual business wear to high fashion to simplistic street wear. Vendors were sprinkled along the sidewalk selling a bunch of crap only tourists would buy and food that would make your stomach implode on itself.

This was home.

The only thing I'd liked about the country was the fact that I didn't have to practically run on the sidewalk to avoid getting run over or cursed out. I instantly spotted the tourists since they were walking side by side in a clump, a big no no for a New Yorker because you'd be pushed, shoved, and separated. Their phones were pointed at the tall buildings and congested streets and awe was in their eyes. They'd unfortunately see that New York isn't the most...hospitable place, especially when you're standing in the middle of the sidewalk in the way of the man and his four o'clock subway ride. They'd find out eventually.

As we walked we passed by Mikey's, the best food joint on the whole east coast. Pizzas, burgers, fries, shakes. Practically anything that could give you a heart attack or diabetes, he had. And he made it irresistible. It was my favorite restaurant ever.

I had to resist the urge to drag her in there and forget our semi-frisky evening plans.

It didn't take us long to reach the familiar store. It was small and cozy and as we approached it I could practically smell the rosemary scent I knew was inside. I reached to open the door for Kyra just as it was pushed open, causing me to jump back a bit in surprise as a man walked out holding a little girl who couldn't be more than two in his arms with a brightpink backpack on his back. "Sorry, man I didn't-" he started but his words died on his tongue as our eyes locked.

"Tyler?" I asked before my brain could fully process what was happening, the weight of his name feeling heavy on my lips, especially when it balanced out with the weight of Kyra's hand in mine.

His staple grin spread across his face, revealing the single dimple in his right cheek as he adjusted the infant on his hip. "Hey man, I didn't know you were coming back today," he said, his voice deep and smooth. As always, his caramel skin was clear with not an imperfection to be seen. He was a bit taller than me, causing me to slightly look up at him as he spoke, and his oversized sweatshirt and sweatpants shielded his toned, muscular body from the world.

"Yeah, literally just got off the plane," I said as casually as possible though my heart was beating in my ears. ThoughI'd been waiting to see him again, now that I was here I was tongue tied. I swallowed. "Who's this?"

He smiled as he looked down at the adorable little angel in his arms. "This is Serenity, my baby sister. Say hi!" He cooed before he pressed a soft kiss to her cheek, causing her to giggle and smile revealing the single dimple that they shared.

"Hi, little Serenity," I softly said as I gently gripped her hand.

"She's so cute," Kyra gushed.

"I didn't know you had a sister." I also don't know that much about you, I said to myself.

"Yeah, she, uh, lives back home with my mom," he said, a certain weight in his voice that let me know that he didn't want to talk about it any further.

"Well, she super cute. I might just steal her from you," Kyra joked as she gently pinched Serenity's cheeks.

"Take her, she's all yours. She's teething and bro, it's just- sleep isn't a thing for me anymore, but I guess it's worth it." He pressed another kiss to her forehead before he used one hand to adjust the hood and her mini hoodie that said "daddy's girl" on it. "I gotta hurry home before this one gets hungry."

"Okay, Bro. I'll catch up with you later."

"Ight. And take care of yourself, alright. If you need me, just let me know." For some reason his words brought warmth up the back of my neck, but I nodded anyways.

"Yeah. Take care."

"Bye." Kyra and I said at the same time, causing Tyler to wave before he headed off with the intense walk of a real New Yorker.

Conflict brewed within me as I held the door open for Kyra while my eyes remained glued on Ty until he was swallowed by the hoards of people in the street. I pryed my eyes away and followed Kyra in. Just as expected, the smell of Rosemary filled me nose as the cozy, full store stretched out before me. There were isles and aisles stocked with various foods and foods.Along the counter were displays of various deli meats and sandwiches and next to it was a cooler with various soda pops. Over the speakers, Latin music played.

Behind the counter I saw a figure with black hair pulled up into a bun and I instantly knew who it was. "Hey, Mrs. C," Kyra politely greeted as she walked up to the counter and rested her arms on it while Mrs. Cortez was chopping up some fresh meat. She was in her mid to late sixties but she looked far younger since her complexion wouldn't dare betray her and tell anyone her true age. I knew that when she was younger she was breathtaking. She had kinda brown eyes and her red-stained lips were never frowning, nor did they ever look cross. Always neutral and eager .

As soon as her eyes landed on Kyra she smiled. Kyra tender to have that effect on people. "Oh, Kyra, dulce niña (sweet girl) how are you? It's been so long since I've seen you." She wiped her hands on a towel as her eyes landed on me. "Nice to see a handsome boy like you every once in a while, Addison."

"Handsome enough time give your husband a run for his money?" I playfully joked, causing her to laugh.

"Quizás (maybe)."

"Addison, you better not be making moves on my wife," Mr. Cortez said from behind us, a broom in hand.

I put my hands up in mock surrender. "Hey Mr. C, all I'm saying is to look out." He chuckled and ruffled my hair. Mr. Cortez was a hard working and caring man, and you can see based on the gray streaks in his otherwise black hair. But those discolored streaks didn't age him or make him look tired. It made him more personable and handsome in some weird way, like each streak told you a story about him. He, like his wife, had kind inviting eyes that lent no hint to the hardships they had immigrating over her from Mexico. However, that never stopped his smile from reaching his eyes, nor did it keep him from being at every single one of his kids' and grandkids' events and I respected him immensely for it.

He chuckled. "Ya veremos (We'll see)." He then turned to Kyra and gave her a hug. "Hey, Kyra."

"Hey Mr. Cortez. How's it going?"

"Bueno (good). It's been a long time since you've last been here."

"I know. My parents and I have been busy with school stuff and work."

"Ah, don't sweat it, I'm just playing," he said with a chuckle. "Help yourself to whatever, you know the drill."

We both wandered around the store picking up what we usually got for our stay in date nights. Pop, candy, chips. By the time we were done both of our arms were full. But we both knew all the food would be gone by the end of the night.

Mrs. C knew us well enough that she no longer questioned it but instead smiled and shook her head to herself. Before long we were rung up, I paid (despite Kyra's many protests), and we were on our way back to Kyra's house. My body was buzzing from excitement and anticipation of feeling hers on mine. I chalked it up to my boyish hormones and insatiable immature need to constantly feel her body on mine, especially after not feeling it for so long.

"Hey mom, we're here," Kyra announced as we walked into her front door.

"In here sweetie," she called from what sounded like the living room. Kyra put her things on the stairs and I followed suit before I followed her into the living room, her hand taking its rightful place in mine as we walked.

"Hey mom."

"Hey Mrs. Klein." We both said at the same time.

She offered me a smile that reflected her daughters as she opened up her arms. "Don't act like a stranger! Come over here and give me a hug!"

I laughed as I walked over and wrapped my arms around her, the scent of her sweet perfume filled my nose. "How are you? Do you want something to eat? I have your favorite macaroni that I could make."

"No thanks, Mrs. Klein, I'm good," I said with a chuckle. She'd treated me like I was apart of the family the moment Kyra brought me here to meet her parents, a night that felt so long ago, yet like yesterday at the same time.

"We stopped by the Cortez's on our way here," Kyra explained before she leaned over and kissed her mother's cheek. "Where's dad?"

"His flight got cancelled. The weather's crazy in the mid-west I tell you, but hopefully he should be back by noon tomorrow." She nodded. As she stood next to her mother, I realized how similar they looked. Though Kyra had her father's strong jawline and light freckles across her nose that are more visible in the summer, her eyes and face shape favored her mother, her personality too. A perfect balance.

"Alright well Addy and I are going to watch a bad movie then complain about how bad it is," Kyra said with a chuckle as she slid her hand in mine again.

"Okay, well if you want real food and not just junk, let me know. And I won't remind you of the rules because I know you already know them."

Kyra's cheeks tinted a bit as she quickly turned away from her mom and started pulling me with her. "Okay mom thanks," she rushed out.

"Oh, and Addison," her mom called, causing me to stop and make my way back so I could see her since Kyra has managed to pull me a solid three yards in the span of two seconds.

"Yes?"

She smiled. "It's good to have you back."

I offered her a small smile of my own. "It's good to be back."

It didn't take long for us to climb the stairs and make it up to her familiar room which was lit by soft fairy lights. Her walls were a soft yellow covered in pictures ranging from simple selfies of her and her friends to pictures of us to pictures that she'd taken of random things. Sketches and paintings also lined her walls accompanied by a movie poster every now and then. She was obsessed with the visual arts from drawing to photography to film. Just the way her face lit up and pure joy filled her voice when she spoke about it was magical. Her desk under her window was as messy as ever and I thought it was a miracle that she ever found anything on it. Her smart TV was balancing on her dresser and next to it in the corner was her camera and equipment laid out with seemingly no rhyme or reason. But I knew better than that. To an outsider, her room was a mess, but to me, it was her. It was familiar. The only thing that had changed was the new queen sized bed that was pressed against her wall.

"New bed?" I observed as I sat on the edge and kicked off my shoes.

"Yep," she said as she put the bags on the floor next to it and kicked off her sandals. "I got it last week."

"You know what that means," I said as I swiftly pulled her onto my lap, causing her to laugh. "More room for us to break the rules."

"Addy..." she smiled as my lips pressed against hers. Our lips moved in perfect sync as she wrapped her arms around my neck and pulled me closer. I groaned as she deepened the kiss. I tightly gripped her thighs,  causing her to breathe heavily as I made my way up to her butt. "Addison," she breathed as I kissed down her throat, loving the way I could feel her say my name. I hummed in response. "My mother's downstairs."

"I know," I softly said as I kissed down the side of her neck.

"And my door's open," she added as if to tell me to stop, but the way she tangled her hands in my hair told me otherwise.

"Yeah," I brushed off as my hands travelled under her sweatshirt and against her bare back. She wasn't wearing a bra. I didn't know what to do about that.

She chuckled as she moved her head so her neck was exposed. I placed gentle kisses on it, causing her to bite her lip to prevent the sound she knew would give us away from escaping her lips. The sound she knew drove me insane.

I pulled away and cupped her face. "Ky?"

"Yeah?" She softly said.

"I love you."

She grinned before her lips were on mine and before I knew it, my back was against the bed and she was pinning me down, her lips now attacking me with a new ferocity, not that I minded. I smiled against her lips. I loved it when she decided to switch it up get dominant on me, though a ton of boys I knew hated it since they're "the man in the relationship", but with Kyra it reminded me that we were equal. A balance. But it also made it really hard to control myself.

By the time she pulled away we were both