Scott and Jason walked inside our house like they owned the place.

"So this is where you've kidnapped my sister," Scott said, looking around the living room. He gave the couch, the lone piece of furniture in the space, a pointed look. "Can't afford furniture, Jamison?"

Hunter rolled his eyes. Stevie and Brownie were in the backyard, and Tux had disappeared inside his bathroom as soon as he heard the sound of foreign voices.

Hunter and I were still looking at furniture. We ordered some things, but they hadn't arrived yet. I pushed my brother and Jason towards the couch. Hunter disappeared in the kitchen. "Sit Down, Scott. Why are you here anyway?"

They plopped down. "I just want to check on you."

Hunter came back with two cans of coke and a bottle of water. He handed me the water and threw the two cokes to the guys.

Hunter and I sat down. Scott leaned forward and fixed us with a scowl. "So... you two are dating? For real?"

"No, we're just faking it." I rolled my eyes. "And you are here because?"

"Rude," Jason said, opening his can. He stretched his legs and put his feet on the table. "We're guests, Sapph. Have some manners."

"You dropped on us uninvited," I said and shoved his feet off. "And get your nasty feet off my table."

Jason grinned. "Your table?"

Ugh. I stood up. "Make yourselves at home, assholes. Are you staying for lunch?"

"Yes," was their immediate reply. They never turned down food. They were lucky I liked feeding other people.

I went straight to the kitchen. The three guys' voices melted to the background. They made sure I wouldn't hear them. Scott knew I would to kick him out if he raised any trouble.

I took out ingredients from the fridge. Hunter kept the fridge stocked. He visited the farmer's market more often than I did, and he ordered many things online from local farmers all over the world.

It was nice not having to worry about making time for groceries in my busy week, and Hunter spoiled me with all sorts of top tier ingredients I would otherwise not have the funds for.

He even imported a load of pure cocoa powder and cocoa beans from a local farm in Cuba. He'd spent some time there training, and he knew the farmer personally. Trying to make our own chocolate at home was fun.

I got some homemade tortilla wraps and set up all the veggies I'd need for veggie wraps. Cooking helped me unwind, and as I went through the familiar motions, the guys' conversations faded to the background and my muscles relaxed.

Thirty minutes later, the veggies and the sauce were ready. I let out a breath and stepped back from the counter. The guys were no longer in the living room. I took it as a good sign that I hadn't heard any yelling.

I made my way to the back porch. Jason was playing with the two dogs, and Scott and Hunter were speaking to the side. Surprisingly, both had calm expressions. I guess they finally decided to grow up.

After a moment, Hunter and Scott shook hands, and Scott actually slapped Hunter's back in that brotherly manner. I rubbed my eyes. Was I seeing things?

Hunter walked over to me. He hugged me tightly, pressing his lips to my temple.

"You're not punching each other," I said.

"We're grown ass men," Hunter said. "We can talk without punching each other."

I snorted. "Right."

He smiled and nodded his head toward my brother, who was on top of the small bridge over the pond, leaning his elbows on the railing. "Why don't you have a chat with him? I'll finish up lunch."

I joined Scott. "Hey."

"Hey." He glanced at me. "You're not pissed we came uninvited, are you?"

I sighed. "You can come over whenever you want, Scott. You're my brother. I'm just worried you and Hunter will get into it again."

Stevie and Brownie were chasing Jason around. My tallest friend loved dogs. Scott smiled and looked down at the water. "So this is your house now too, huh?"

"I guess it is," I held onto the railing and leaned back, looking up at the sky. The blue was so startlingly beautiful.

Scott sighed and rubbed his face. His eyes looked suspiciously moist. I wrapped my arm around him and leaned my head against his shoulder. "You don't have to worry about me anymore, Scott. I'm fine."

"Yeah. I can see that," he said.

"You can move teams now if you want."

He frowned. "How did you know?"

He'd been offered a better contract elsewhere. I smiled and widened my eyes. "I know everything, Scott. You shouldn't be surprised by now."

"Hana told you, didn't she?"

"Yes."

He chuckled, shaking his head. "We'll see. I'm not sure about your boyfriend yet. But I can see he's been a good influence on you."

"How so?"

"You're more... you," he said. "You're more alive."

More alive. That was one way to put it, I guess.

"So when's the wedding?" Scott asked.

"What wedding?"

Scott's eyes widened. Panic filled his face. "Uh..."

I burst out laughing. "Oh my God, Scott! You can't keep a secret to save your life."

He winced. "Please don't tell him I told you. Just act surprised when he proposes."

I shook my head. "What? Did he ask for your blessing?"

He shrugged. I jabbed my elbow in his side. "Talk. You already spilled the beans."

He huffed. "Fine. He talked to Sam and Stefan a couple of days ago. That's why I came here today. I wanted to talk to him face to face."

Asking for my brothers' blessings. I smiled to myself. I was just glad that they were all getting along. Holidays would be nice if everyone got along.

"Alright, I won't tell Hunter you ruined his surprise."

Scott narrowed his eyes at me. "Why aren't you more pissed- wait, you knew about it, didn't you?"

I just grinned and kissed his cheek. "Let's go eat, dear brother."

Jason and Scott ended up staying the entire afternoon. We watched them drive away as the sun set. Stevie and Brownie sat next to us on the front porch, looking forlorn for their departure.

Scott's words echoed in my head. More alive.

"Thank you," I told Hunter, leaning against his side.

"What for?"

"For teaching me how to live."

He kissed my hair. "You taught me how to live ten years ago. I'm only returning the favor."

I looked up at him. The setting sun glinted off his hair and surrounded him with a halo of golden light. His eyes were molten honey. He looked so handsome it hurt. My heart squeezed and overflowed with emotions I couldn't hold back anymore. I didn't have to.

"I love you," I whispered.

Hunter stopped breathing. He stared at me, eyes unblinking. Then let out a shuddering breath and smiled. Framing my face in his hands, he kissed me, a slow, gentle burn. Putting his forehead against mine, I could see his smile.

"I love you too. Always have, always will."

My heart beat an excited staccato against my ribcage. I slipped my hand under Hunter's t-shirt and touched the warm skin on his side. He froze.

"How about we go upstairs?" I whispered.

He pulled his head back to look at me and blinked. "Are you saying..." he cleared his throat. His voice lowered and he smiled. "Are you sure?"

I nodded. Hunter grinned. Then he threw me over his shoulder and got inside. I laughed and slapped his butt. "Hey!"

He closed the door and ran up the stairs. Brownie and Stevie thought it was a game and chased after us, tails wagging and tongues lolling.

Hunter closed our bedroom door in their innocent faces. I didn't have time to feel bad for them, because Hunter showed me just how much he loved me.

*** **** ***

It was past midnight when my stomach growled. Hunter, laying on his side next to me with his arm around my waist, chuckled.

"I wore you out," he said.

"Very smug aren't you?"

He nodded, his eyes twinkling under the faint bedside light. I rolled my eyes, though I couldn't really argue. Hunter's hand strayed to my lower belly. His smile died down when he touched the scar. He'd seen it, but it was the first time he'd adress it. "When's your next appointment?"

"Next month," I said. My stomach tightened and my heart rate spiked, as they did every time I thought about it. I closed my eyes and turned towards Hunter. His arms pulled me snug against him. His warm skin, his familiar smell and his firm embrace made everything seem better.

"You're fine," he mumbled against my hair.

I took deep breaths until my stomach no longer felt like it was filled with lead. Then Hunter's stomach growled. I chuckled. "I think we need to eat something."

Hunter slipped out of bed. He pulled on his pants and handed me his t-shirt.

"I'm going to take a shower first," I said.

Hunter grinned. "It's just going to be a waste of water. The night is still young."

I laughed. "You're insatiable."

He winked. "That's not a bad thing."

So I put on his t-shirt and went downstairs with him. A shower could wait. Hunter stopped at the bottom of the stairs. I stopped next to him and followed his gaze.

Tux was sitting in the entrance of the kitchen. Hunter and I froze.

"You think he'll run away if we go into the kitchen?" Hunter mumbled.

"I don't know."

"You try. He likes you more," Hunter said.

I doubted that, but I made my way to the kitchen, walking slowly and minimizing my movements. I didn't look at the tuxedo cat. My heart raced. I was too excited. Tux kept his gaze on me. Step after step. Until I was walking right past him and into the kitchen. And he didn't move.

I went all the way around the island, wishing I could jump on my toes and squeal.

Hunter followed me. It was cute, watching him hunch his shoulders and try to make himself look smaller to not scare the cat.

Despite what he'd said, Tux actually felt more comfortable around Hunter. The cat began licking his paw as Hunter walked past him, not even looking at him.

Hunter came around the counter and hugged me, raising me off the floor and whirling around. I laughed and wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him. And life was good.

*** **** ***

Tux slowly stepped out of his bubble. Hunter kept a diligent schedule preparing for his fight. And I worked in my clinic, taking more free-of-charge pets thanks to Hunter. He always made sure the car tanks were full and did all the groceries, so I had less bills to worry about.

When I brought up paying my half of the groceries and the gas, he gave me an offended look. So I tried not to feel bad about it, especially since he made more from his sponsorship deals than I could make in ten years.

We decorated our house as the furniture we ordered arrived, and I was debating getting rid of my studio lease and just abandon all pretenses of not living with Hunter and properly move in.

It was a couple of weeks before the fight when I overheard a conversation I shouldn't have.

It was the evening, and Hunter was working out in the house gym. We only went to the city gym once a week or so. Trainers and other fighters mostly came over since our gym was large and well equipped. No one stepped foot in the actual house, though, so Tux and I could be comfortable.

I was in the kitchen, trying a homemade Nutella recipe. As I opened the Tupperware containing hazelnuts, it slipped from my hands and fell to the ground. The nuts scattered. I groaned. Well, at least the Tupperware was plastic. I sat down to gather the hazelnuts. I would have to wash them and roast them again.

Voices approached the kitchen. I was crouched between the island and the counter, out of view of whoever was coming.

"... Not going to do it again, Antonio," Hunter was saying. "Give it up already."

I was about to stand up and make myself known, but the conversation turned too interesting not to eavesdrop to. I was weak that way.

"Why? It's a good opportunity to make yourself a better fighter," Antonio said in his heavy-smoker voice. "You won't get any fights like the ones in the bare knuckles tournaments."

"I don't need it. I'm good enough to win fights," Hunter said. "Besides, I still haven't decided if I want to continue or retire-"

"Retire?! Why the hell would you want to retire?" Antonio all but screamed.

"Lower your voice," Hunter rumbled.

"Is this because of her?"

There was a beat of silence. It crossed my mind that if one of them came around the island, they would find me and I would be mortally mortified. But the conversation was just too interesting. So I risked looking like an idiot.

Right then, Brownie appeared. She sat down and looked at me. My eyes widened. If she made a noise, they'd know I was here. Ugh. How did I get myself in these situations?

I looked at her and put my finger to my lips. The brown dog cocked her head this way and that. Cute. She stayed quiet. She was going to get a treat later.

Then Hunter spoke, and his voice sent chills down my spine. "That's none of your business. But Antonio, I already told you to leave Sapphire alone-"

"You're not thinking straight-"

"My head has never been more clear," Hunter said. "I told you before. Sapphire is a red line, if you cross it, you'll regret it. I let it pass last time, but I won't do it again."

Antonio huffed but stayed quiet. Footsteps came closer. A shadow fell over me. I looked up. Hunter stood right next to Brownie, both their dark eyes fixed on me. He blinked.

I made a face and put my fingers to my lips. His lips twitched up, and he looked away to hide his expression from Antonio.

Opening the fridge, he stuck his head inside. "Anyway. We'll talk later, Antonio. Good night."

Antonio grunted, and his footsteps receded from the kitchen. Phew.

As soon as we heard the front door closed, Hunter burst out laughing. Brownie perked up and looked at Hunter. She barked and grinned. Great. Even our dog was laughing at me.

I slumped against the island and glowered. "Stop. It's not funny."

Brownie barked again, her tongue lolling out.

"It kind of is." Grinning still, he closed the fridge and crouched down to help me gather the hazelnuts. The stupid hazelnuts.

After we were done, I closed the Tupperware and sat back, Hunter on the ground next to me.

Stevie came running around the island, skidding on the floor. He almost bumped his head against the corner. He stuck his head between Hunter and me, turned and wiggled until he was snug between us.

Hunter and I laughed. Brownie ambled closer and laid her head on Hunter's lap. I weaved my fingers through Stevie's soft head. "So, he wants you to fight there again?"

"Mhm."

"It's dangerous," I said.

"I'm not going to do it," Hunter smiled at me. "I'm not going to risk death when life is just getting worth it."

I let out a sigh of relief. "Good."

Right then, Tux came around the island. He stopped, looked at us, then sniffed at a hazelnut right by his paw. We must've missed it.

"Is it dangerous for him?" Hunter whispered as Tux gave the hazelnut a tentative lick.

"No, I think hazelnuts aren't toxic for felines," I mumbled, watching as Tux licked his lips. Obviously, the hazelnut wasn't to his taste. Instead, he rolled it with his paw. I grinned. This was the first time he played in front of us.

"We should dust off those cat toys," I whispered to Hunter. "I think he's ready."