Xavier continued to glare at Aurora as she looked anywhere but at him.

She was whistling— well, pretending to whistle since she couldn't actually whistle, all while ignoring Xavier's scrutinizing stare as she wrapped the spring roll in front of her.

"Doesn't this one look pretty?" She grinned sheepishly, holding the spring roll up for Xavier to see. "I think this is the best one I've made so far, don't you think?"

"Oh no," Xavier took the spring roll away from her hands and placed it with the rest. "You're not getting away with this one, love."

Aurora pouted, looking up at him with puppy dog eyes. She watched as his eyes soften and she knew she had him in the palm of her hands. Almost like he had to restrain himself, he immediately shifted his gaze into a stern one with a hint of playfulness. Oh, Aurora Young was the definition of sneaky.

And damn it, she had him right there.

"I love you," she murmured, wrapping her arms around his neck. Even as she placed a soft kiss on his lips, he didn't budge. The pout seemed to be permanently etched onto his face. "You know you're the most handsome man in my eyes."

"Promise?" He murmured, slowly giving into her.

"Promise," she grinned happily, having successfully escaped.

"She's lying," Elijah had to choose this moment to butt in. "I'm obviously the best looking one in her eyes."

Xavier rolled his eyes, flashing the middle finger at Elijah behind Aurora's back. He sighed, before planting soft kisses on her lips. "I love you, more."

"Whipped," coughed Liam, suddenly popping up next to Damien unannounced.

Of course, Damien had to add his input. "Pussy," he coughed, fist-bumping Liam.

Xavier rolled his eyes and glared at the two immature men. "Yeah, just wait until you two get girlfriends, and then, we'll see who's laughing. How'd you even get in?"

"Keys," grinned Liam, causing Xavier's eyebrows to scrunch with confusion.

"I don't remember giving a copy— you fucking asshole," Xavier lunged towards Liam, which took Liam by surprise as the blond man was now trapped in a headlock.

"Hey man," struggled Liam, trying to pry Xavier's arms away. "It's not my fault your girlfriend likes to leave her keys around the office."

Aurora glared at her boss, feeling offense. "Leaving them on my desk doesn't mean I just leave them around."

Liam deadpanned. "Aurora, you left them on the coffee machine in the break room— you're lucky I recognize that disgusting matching keychain you and Xavier have."

"Hey," She protested. "Leave our keychains alone— they're cute." She shifted her gaze to Xavier who looked at her with disbelief. "I swear I left them there on purpose."

"Uh-huh," Xavier looked at her unamused. "I'm sure you left them there on the coffee machine on purpose, sweetheart."

She gave him a sheepish smile as he pushed Liam away and began stalking towards her.

"Hey!" Liam protested, looking offended.

Xavier ignored him and continued towards Aurora. She already knew she was about to get an earful. She immediately got down from the kitchen stool and backed away.

"Why did you even need your keys to make coffee? What did I say about leaving your things everywhere, love?"

He continued to nag as she ran through the kitchen with him following closely behind her. Aurora skillfully dodged the remaining group in the kitchen and even noticing that Maddie and Lucas seemed to have disappeared.

Isabella was busy making a big bowl of coleslaw with Alexander lingering nearby to taste test. Damien and Elijah continued to wrap the spring rolls, knowing that if they didn't they'd get scolded by Aurora, and even Liam was learning how to make them. Not that they were doing a good job at it, but hey, it's the thought that counts.

It wasn't until she was caught by Xavier where she finally slumped with defeat. She blamed it on the fact that he had longer legs than her. Curse whoever decided to give her short legs.

"You need to be careful with your things, love," he continued when he finally held her in his arms. Everyone watched them with amusement as they continued making the food, ignoring Aurora's pleading gaze. "How many times did I remind you to put your keys in your purse so you don't forget them?"

"Ah, lover's quarrel," sighed Liam, putting his arms around both Damien and Elijah's shoulders. He was just glad he had successfully evaded Xavier and got to keep the keys.

Damien put his hand on his cheek and sighed. "Ah, young love."

"You two seriously need to find girlfriends," Elijah looked at the two older men with disgust before shoving Liam's arm off his shoulder. "Man, I seriously need a girlfriend."

"Fine," Aurora murmured, pouting like a child being scolded. His hands held her by the waist as he peered down at her cheeks, now flushed from running around. "I promise I'll watch out for my stuff. I love you."

He leaned down to peck her lips and she desperately hoped he wouldn't continue. "I love you too, sweetheart. But you should also be caref-"

The doorbell rang right at that moment, interrupting his sentence.

"Oh look, can't keep them waiting at the door for too long!" Aurora immediately pulled away from her boyfriend's grasps and bounded towards the door, seeing as this was her only opportunity to escape Xavier's nagging.

But of course, he was right behind her.

"Baby, I wasn't don-"

"Mom! Dad!" She cheered, opening the door before pulling her parents in for a hug. "You guys are right on time— thank goodness you guys are here."

"Hi pumpkin," Peter's chest rumbled as he chuckled. His eyes met Xavier's as they exchanged a knowing smile.

"You look lovely, honey," grinned Heather, rubbing her daughter's back.

Aurora had on a simple summer dress, perfect for the hot weather. And like usual, even Xavier found himself having a difficult time keeping his hands off of her.

Xavier shook his head with amusement as he watched his girlfriend whisper in her parents' ears. Did he nag her that often? Maybe. But he only did it because Aurora liked to worry him with both her clumsiness and recklessness. But those were part of the reasons why he loved her.

She pulled away as her parents looked at her funnily. Their daughter was definitely up to no good.

"Connor!" She leaped into her older brother's arms, who thankfully expected this and caught her perfectly. "I missed you, you tall ass giant."

"Jesus, I missed you too," he chuckled, pulling away. He looked towards Xavier with an amused smirk. "I don't know how you deal with her all the time man. She's trouble."

Aurora scoffed, nudging her brother. "I am not."

"Yeah, she's definitely a handful," grinned Xavier, which earned him a playful glare from Aurora. Before he could say anything else that would get him in trouble, he was pulled in for a hug by Heather. "It's good to see you again, Heather."

"Thank you for inviting us, dear," smiled Heather, patting Xavier's cheek lovingly. "This is a lovely home."

"Thank you," he reached over to shake Peter's hand. "It's good to see you, too sir."

"Good to see you, too, son," Instead of shaking Xavier's hand, he pulled Xavier in for a rough hug, which took Xavier by surprise.

"Don't forget me, bro," Connor smirked, doing a bro-shake with Xavier, causing Aurora to roll her eyes.

Men.

"Hey, man," greeted Xavier as Connor wrapped an arm around his shoulders. He began to lead everyone to the kitchen. "Thanks for making it. My family doesn't know you're here, but just a fair warning, they're even crazier about hockey than me."

"I think I can handle it," Connor said confidently. "I just hope nobody passes out."

"Yeah, hopefully, Mr. I'm-a-celebrity-now," snorted Aurora, rolling her eyes at his ridiculousness.

"She's just jealous," whispered Connor, causing Xavier to smirk.

"She's always been the jealous type," nodded Xavier, patting Connor on the back. "She hates it when women stare at me longer than needed. Tell me I'm wrong, love."

"You're even worse," scoffed Aurora, crossing her arms. "You won't even let me watch Lucifer— I just want to watched Tom Ellis shirtless."

Xavier rolled his eyes. "He's not even that good looking."

"Agreed," muttered Connor, which immediately made Xavier happy.

"I hate it when you two gang up on me— babe, you're supposed to be on my side," She pouted, crossing her arms while glaring at her smug boyfriend.

"What can I say— Connor has better taste in men than you," shrugged Xavier. "well, besides the fact that you think I'm the most attractive man in your life— actually, scratch that, I don't know what I'm saying. All I know is that everyone else that you think is attractive after me, of course, is in fact, not attractive."

"Damn right, she thought Troy Bolton was attractive," Connor exclaims, throwing his hands up. "Can you believe that? He looks like a damn tool."

"Whatever, Zac Efron is hot now," she muttered defeatedly, before shifting her attention to her parents. "Mom, I thought I told you we got all the food covered."

Both of them were holding trays full of food— the smell immediately made Aurora's mouth water. The amount was surely going to surprise everyone, but Aurora already figured this would happen. Her mom sure loved giving, especially when it came to food.

"You know I couldn't help myself," grinned Heather, as Aurora took a tray out of her hands to help. "I made some of your favorites. And since I know Liam and Maddie are going to be here, I figured I'd make my world-famous popcorn chicken."

Aurora chuckled. "I'm sure half the tray's going to be gone as soon as Liam sees it, mom."

As if on cue, Liam jumped up from his seat, immediately noticing their appearance in the kitchen.

"Heather!" He took the trays out of her hands and set them onto the counter before hugging the older woman with a big smile on his face. "You are looking absolutely radiant. Is that your famous popcorn chicken that I smell?"

"Liam, dear," chuckled Heather, patting Liam's back. "You know I couldn't come without bringing that with me— I know how much you like it. Now, let me get a good look at you." She pulled away as Liam spun around dramatically. "I think you've gotten more handsome since the last time I saw you. Now tell me, why haven't you found that special lady yet— I'm sure your mother isn't too happy."

"That's exactly what I've been saying," Isabella chirped, walking up to where they were standing. Both Peter and Alexander were already in deep conversation about the grill.

Liam groaned, seeing that he walked into this one himself. He looked over the two women's shoulders to where Connor stood still in discussion with Xavier. "Well, I'll just leave you two women to chat," he sneakily escaped. "Connor, my man. Good to see you."

Isabella rolled her eyes. "Anyways, enough about them. It's so lovely to see you again, Heather."

"It's so good to see you too," She followed Isabella further into the kitchen. "I hope Aurora isn't causing you any trouble— I'm sure you know by now that she isn't very reliable in the kitchen."

Isabella grinned with amusement. "Aurora is amazing— she's been making those spring rolls." She pointed to where the giant pile of spring rolls sat. Heather tilted her head as she tried to make out what the deformed balls were. "Oh, those were made by the boys— Aurora actually made the nicer looking ones on the side."

"Oh, well, I'm glad they're all making themselves useful," she smiled, arranging the trays that she had brought. The two women immediately began to bond over food and their children— both complaining how their oldest children have yet to find girlfriends.

Meanwhile, both Elijah and Damien stood in their spots, looking starstruck. With his hand around Aurora's waist, Xavier led Connor to his brothers with Liam tagging along as he conversed with the hockey player.

"Boys, this is my brother, Connor," Aurora introduced her brother, leaning back against Xavier's chest so she could watch their reaction.

"Hey, it's nice to meet you guys," greeted Connor with an amused smile on his face.

Damien was the first to break out of his trance and reached over for a handshake. "Hey, I'm Damien. Congrats on winning the Stanley cup— that last goal you shot, holy shit."

"Thanks, man," chuckled Instead of taking the handshake, he pulled Damien in and clapped the still shocked man on the back. "I'm a hugger."

Damien's eyes were wide, almost as if he couldn't believe he was hugging the star hockey player.

"What the fuck?" He mouthed, causing Aurora to burst into giggles. Xavier shook his head, knowing it was a good idea to keep the news of Connor coming over a surprise.

Elijah finally came to it when they broke away. "Holy shit, you- you're fucking Connor Young."

"I am— last time that I checked," grinned Connor, pulling Elijah in for a hug as well. "You must be Elijah."

For the first time, Elijah was rendered speechless.

"I think we broke him," Aurora whispered to Xavier with amusement.

"Damn, if I knew it only took Connor to shut Elijah up, I would've invited Connor here sooner."

Aurora threw her head back as she laughed. "Babe, be nice."

"He knows my name?" He meant to whisper it, but his voice came out louder than intended.

Connor chuckled, patting the poor guy on the back. "Yeah man— I signed that hockey stick for you, remember?"

"Right," Elijah nodded still looking starstruck.

"Yeah, you definitely broke him," muttered Liam with amusement.

"You're a god," blurted Elijah, causing everyone to burst into laughter. "Like seriously. What the fuck? You're here... in my brother's kitchen. How? Is this really happening? Someone slap me— Ouch! I didn't actually mean slap me, you idiot."

He glared at Damien who gave him a smug smile. "I've been wanting to do that all day."

Elijah rolled his eyes before turning to look at Aurora with a big grin. "I can't believe you surprised us with Connor Young. I could just kiss you right now, Aurora."

"Oh hell no, not while I'm here," Xavier glared at Elijah, causing the younger Knight to shrug.

"Then, I'll kiss her when you're not here."

Elijah smirked as he took off running to the other side of the kitchen. And almost immediately, Xavier began chasing after him.

"Don't make me punch your pretty little face, asshole."

"On second thought, I'll just kiss her right now," Elijah grinned, taking cover behind Aurora.

Xavier glared at Elijah as he stood in front of his girlfriend. Elijah had his hands on Aurora's shoulders as he moved her to cover him, knowing Xavier would never lay a finger on his precious girlfriend. "Hands off my girlfriend before I beat your ass."

"Pucker up, babe," teased Elijah, moving with ease. Aurora deadpanned. Being used as a human shield was definitely not fun.

"Why you little-"

❤︎ ❤︎ ❤︎

"Now, that's definitely a sight for sore eyes."

The girls murmured their agreement as they sat in the shallow end of the pool. They were in their swimming suits, watching the guys run around the grass with a football. Since the warm afternoon summer sun was shining down on them, the guys had taken their shirts off and were currently running around shirtless while throwing the football back and forth.

It seemed like the boys were finally getting along with Noah. It was funny how they went from threatening the kid to being best buddies with him. Aurora couldn't understand men at all.

Their parents were off to the side, sitting in the shade under the canopy. They were drinking cocktails while talking like they had known each other for a long time. Aurora was just glad they were getting along well.

"Hello? Earth to Rory," snapped Maddie, causing Aurora to snap out of her trance. "Stop staring at my brother like you're about to eat him."

Aurora blushed before glaring playfully at her best friend. She couldn't help it— Xavier looked mighty fine with his shirt off. His chiseled chest and his six-pack were practically glistening in the sun as sweat dripped down. She couldn't not stare at her boyfriend.

"And... we lost her again," murmured Stephanie, grinning with amusement. All three sisters roared with laughter as Aurora splashed water at them causing them to shriek.

"As if you're not staring at your men like they're pieces of meat," she rolled her eyes to which the girls didn't deny the claims. Even Megan was silent.

Maddie grinned. "What can we say— our men are smokin'. But let's talk about more interesting things— like what's going on between you and Noah."

She pointed at Megan and immediately the younger girl flushed red.

"Nothing's going on," denied Megan, looking around for an escape. Aurora was just glad she could go back to staring at her man's chest.

"Liar!" Grinned Stephanie. "Something definitely smells fishy."

"I have no idea what you guys are talking about," Megan quickly swam into the deeper end, wanting to escape her sisters.

"Hey, get back here and tell us what's going on!" Shrieked Maddie as both her and Stephanie began swimming after Maddie.

Aurora rolled her eyes, bouncing a very happy Colton on her lap. After running around for a bit, he decided to play around in the pool with his mom and aunts, loving the attention that they gave him. He had gotten comfortable on Aurora's lap and had been sitting there, splashing around in the water, ever since.

From the corner of her eyes, she could see Xavier make his way towards them with a small smirk on his face. He had noticed Aurora's staring ever since the moment he had discarded his shirt.

"Hi baby," he grinned, standing directly above her. He bent down so he could place a backward kiss on her lips as she leaned her head up.

"Hi," she murmured against his lips. She grinned as he continued to place small kisses on her lips.

"You look so good in that bikini— how about we go upstairs for a while. I'm sure no one will even notice."

Aurora gasped, covering Colton's ears."Colton's right here, you big oaf!"

"I'm kidding, love," he placed a kiss on her forehead, chuckling at how cute she was. She rolled her eyes, playfully slapping his arm.

"Uncle Xavi!" Cheered Colton, splashing the water, wanting the attention on him.

"Oh hey