The barrage of photos that flooded every media outlet available the next morning solidified Bobbi's fate as a homebody for the remainder of their stay in the city. Her few run-ins up to that point did not dare hold a candle against the firestorm of a story that swept through the news as photo after photo showed undefinable proof that Bobbi King was in fact settling done.

Finally, was the general consensus of most editorials. A surprise appearance of her rumored boyfriend in her hometown after a week long business trip to New York was the cake for all the gossip sights. The obvious introduction between boyfriend and supposed father was the neat icing and the final kiss on the cheek in front of said father the bright red cherry on top.

Bobbi King was finally settling down.

The ever presence huddle of girls ranging in age from twelve years old to early twenties hanging about the street outside kept Bobbi behind doors for the rest of the week. The drop in temperature helped break the news and the sudden wave of inspiration after her day out with her father that sent her downstairs into the basement as soon as she returned helped pass the time.

Theo's range of motion reached further than Bobbi's did as he dare venture outside but never into the city. A small scream rang through the air the handful of times he did exit the brownstone, when the constant rotating crowd of fans were able to catch a glimpse of him before he jumped into the running cab headed for his parents house.

The bitter spring day allowed for a beanie and a scarf to help conceal his identity while he stood along the sidelines of his younger sisters's soccer game out in the suburbs. But his natural good looks still caught the eye of nearly every single young female soccer coach and the matches frequently ran into chaos that day under their supervision.

The three housemates had been blessed with Sam's appearance on the day of the interview but his contractual obligations drove his decision to attend more than his affection for his bandmates. It was the same every time they visited home and hurt feelings had been dealt with and set aside years before when the return trip to where ever they were suppose to be quickly reminded them just how much time they have to spend with one another.

Honor joined all of them for a pizza dinner after the interview finished, the interviewer himself digging in and helping foot the bill when his genial attitude got along with each of them and all conversation was deemed officially off the record.

Honor made Sam join in on the hangout session as well, grabbing his arm and holding him in place when he went to place one foot outside.

He was the first one to help clear away pizza boxes, paper plates and napkins when Alfie inevitably took the final slice. He had Honor's hand firmly in his a quick minute after that and the door shut behind them following a lighting round of farewells.

Rosie even made an appearance that week, against all of Alfie's pleas not to. Bobbi's influx of inspiration helped keep him busy. His main focus was continually arguing that their writing skills together were enough to complete every song Bobbi had started to write.

He finally conceded when he acknowledged they were both in fact hitting a brick wall, he was merely gaining a running start and charging straight back at it every time he knocked Bobbi's phone out of her hand when she started to dial Rosie's number.

Rosie's criticisms rang out through the basement studio but were filtered through a faint haze of bad reception as her innate hatred for the city of Boston kept her from grabbing a train northbound from her own hometown of Brooklyn.

By the end of the week, each of the housemates were ready to head back to work. LA was anther story, but the amount of work they were able to accomplish while housebound was a firm reminder of all they still had to do waiting for them on the West coast.

Alex let them be and caught her own flight west bound Friday night, with a long list of things to pack and bring back with them and a final assurance that she would be there to pick them up at the airport Monday.

Sunday night found the three of them downstairs among their instruments trying to gather up all needed items. They found rest and a much needed break from packing when the doorbell rang up stairs. All three of them raced at the sound, Alfie leading the pack.

"And for a second I was sure you gonna leave me out here to freeze to death," were the first words out of Marlene's mouth when Alfie ripped the door wide open and let in a brisk gust of wind into the house.

"Or worse, left to fend for myself against your fan club."

The laughter in her eyes glanced back over her shoulder where a small group of girls stood staring at the door. The crowd was the thinnest it had ever been and the near freezing temperatures were to blame.

Their ecstatic squeals at the sight of three of the Wild Wallflowers waving at them from their doorstep were hushed by the roar of wind that raced down the street.

"Alfie, dear, do give those poor girls some money for tea or something and tell them to go home before they freeze."

Alfie let out a laugh before grabbing the nearest available jacket and hurrying out into the cold. Bobbi's already bright mood at the sight of her mother heighten at the sight of Alfie slipping on her old bright pink down jacket to combat the cool and running outside in his slippers.

Marlene's arrival was then sufficiently acknowledge when Alfie returned with a round of hugs, kisses and loud exclamations of how badly they had all missed her, each one far from an over exaggeration.

"Alright. What's for dinner?"

Her energy took over the house as soon as she discarded of her jacket and gloves, handing them to Theo as she entered in.

Alfie and Bobbi exchanged a quick wide-eyed glance.

"You forgot to make something because you're so busy being rockstars and were secretly hoping I would just waltz in and make one of my world famous home-cooked dinners that you haven't had in way too long because, like I said, you've been too busy being rockstars."

Her gaze flicked between each of her children's expression, her arms resting across her chest as she nodded along to her own deduction. Their already long day and longer night ahead kept them from even trying to find their guilt. Marlene would have seen through any attempt anyways.

"Kind of." Alfie started.

"Sort of." Bobbi continued.

"Oh, most definitely." Theo finished.

He stepped back in among the circle, his arms now free of any outwear. Marlene sent him a wink when he mirrored her own stance and stood tallest among their group.

"Yeah. I figured."

"So you'll make us dinner while we got finish packing?"

Alfie's voice went high at the end of his question, his disbelief and vain hope already thick in his question before Marlene got a change to answer. She laughed.

"Oh hell no. I've actually got a job to go to tomorrow. You kids get to spend your day sleeping in a VIP lounge then in a first class section of an airplane. You're making me dinner. I will, however, take a lovely glass of wine and a tour of your lovely home."

Her enthusiasm wiped all thoughts of work still waiting for them downstairs when she garnered a laugh from each of them. Theo extended his arm towards her, which she received with a nod of gratitude.
Bobbi grabbed her other arm and they both led her further into the house.

"I love how you act like you haven't been here before." Bobbi said.

"Tonight I am your guest. It's the polite thing to do, Bobbi darling. And Alfie, I would start that broth soon if your excellent risotto is going to made in time before we all starve to death. Bobbi, do go help your brother. Theo can show me around."

She gave a Bobbi a quick pat on the butt when she released her hold on her mother. But Marlene was already looking up at Theo, knee-deep in some riveting topic, acting as though nothing had happened.

Each course of warm food Alfie and Bobbi had managed to throw together within a reasonable amount of time was quickly consumed, along with a large portion of a nice bottle of wine.

The laughter continued long after all plates were pushed to the center of the table and the energy stayed high even after all light from outside had long since faded and the wax on the tall candles set along the table dripped high as the candles burned low.

Bobbi tucked her legs up underneath her, her chin resting on top of her knee, while Theo's arm rested against the back of her seat, both of their eyes naturally glued to where Marlene sat at the head of the table.

"Why did you even married him?" Theo asked.

Marlene shrugged at the question as she took another sip of wine.

"He was the only person I had ever met who I couldn't read immediately and figure out exactly who they were from one glance. I found him fascinating, interesting, obviously enough of both to actually say yes when I finally convinced him to propose."

"You convinced him to propose?"

Theo's words spoke of a mild shock, his heightened eyebrows reading out the only sign on his face while his body slowly slouched lower and lower in his seat.

"Well, he wasn't going to do it himself. He was too awkward and nervous. He didn't really understand what was suppose to happen next in a relationship. He was always too wrapped up in himself. So, I had to tell him."

"Thank goodness we got our cool genes from you or else I highly doubt we would have the career we do today."

Marlene leaned forward and grabbed hold of Alfie's arm, responding to his comment with a warm smile, her soft expression luminescent in the low light.

"Oh, honey."

Alfie laid his hand top of hers when she squeezed.

"You're welcome."

Alfie threw his mother's grasp off his arm in a mock fit of offense but his laugh ruined the ruse.

"You guys really do have me to thank for everything." She said when the laughter in the room calmed down.

"We really do." Bobbi said, trying to keep her tone free of any patronizing intonations and failing. Marlene only sent her a wink in reply.

"Me too." Theo said.

He leaned forward, his body resting against his elbows as they lay onto of the table. His eyes flicked from Marlene to Bobbi as he spoke but then right back.

"And you're welcome. I️ owe you kids a lot too." She said.

"The house." Alfie started.

"The car." Bobbi continued.

"Me." Theo finished.

Marlene's lips twitched northwards.

"I was going to say Sam but how about a yes to all? And Robert did give me you two, so even after everything I can't thank him enough."

Now both of her hands went to each of her children, leaning forward and grasping their hands.

"Although it's still strange seeing his face in the papers, I've got to admit. And when it's my colleagues who take it upon themselves to show me. I laugh when they gossip about Theo being such a ladies man when it's the most obvious thing in the world that he isn't."

"What about when they gossip about me?"

Bobbi tried to sound indignant but her good humor won out and she had emitted a small laugh by the end of her statement.

"Oh, I'm furious if anyone ever tries to say anything bad about you. It's the perfect chance to remind them all that I am still their principal and hold the power to fire any of them that I wish. Except the tenured ones. It wouldn't look so good if I just fired them because of what the media likes to say about my baby girl."

Marlene's perfect timing allowed for a pause to respect the hearty reaction of her dinner companions before she went on.

"How did it go with that Ken of yours meeting your father? Rosie was right. He is a looker. No offense, Theo. You and Bobbi have my blessing and utmost respect for what you have to go through. Just stating fact. He's a pretty one."

Theo only nodded and raised his glass her direction in response.

"Oh, dad loved Aaron." Alfie said. "Found a real kindred spirit in Pretty Boy. They're both extremely narcissistic, Aaron just more overtly so."

Bobbi sighed and rest her head on her elbow as she leaned forward against the table.

"Yeah. Dad had no trouble taking a liking to Aaron. He spent more asking me about my relationship with Aaron than he did actually asking us anything about our real lives. And if he wasn't bugging me about Aaron, he was bagging on Theo somehow. He must have brought up the one time you ran into his car on accident at least three times."

"What? That was ages ago. I was a kid. He's still mad?" Theo said.

"It probably doesn't help that you see his daughter way more than he does and actually retain a deep and meaningful relationship with both of his children when he can't even manage half of that. Oh, and he really doesn't like tattoos." Marlene said.

Bobbi leaned forward to address Alfie.

"I thought you said Mom was encouraging us to meet up with Dad."

Marlene broke in.

"Oh, I was. I told Alfie you both had to see him while you were in town or I would disinherit you both then adopt you back when I remember you pay my mortgage bill. I was just trying to do the right motherly thing and encourage you to spend time with your father. You have and good job. I'm proud of you both. Doesn't mean I️ still don't quite like the man all that much anymore."

"He must have been heartbroken when it finally dawned on him that you are in fact not dating Aaron. And even worse when it's me instead."

Theo's laugh was the only one that echoed through the room. The good mood had dispersed with his two sentences, their awaited answer bringing to light a large unspoken conversation hanging over Bobbi's head.

Alfie's eyebrows shot skyward and he turned his gaze on Bobbi. She overt her eyes under his gaze to wrap up her attention in her cloth napkin. Marlene took another sip of her wine, her eyes landing heavy on Bobbi.

When any response failed to present itself, Theo too turned to look at Bobbi.

Alfie jumped from his seat and immediately started gathering up all matter of plates and cups.

"I'll do dishes tonight."

His hurried footsteps carried him and a very large armload of dishes out of the dining room and into the kitchen, shutting the door behind him as he disappeared.

Marlene too then stood from the table.

"And I️ have an early morning tomorrow so I'll go ahead and say goodnight and goodbye now."

She rounded the table and paused while Theo stood from his seat to offer her a proper goodbye.

Once released from his embrace, Marlene grabbed Bobbi's hand.

"Bobbi, dear, lead me out, won't you?"

Her grip kept Bobbi from doing anything else and she followed in her mother's footsteps, not daring a look back at the table where Theo remained.

Marlene once again donned her jacket and accepted her scarf and bag from Bobbi's hands.

She pulled the door open to exposed the frigid night beyond and turned back before stepping out into the cold.

She wrapped her arms around Bobbi, pulling her in tight and pressing a kiss to her cheek right before her was set to let her go. She rested her lips close to Bobbi's ear and whispered, "Don't be stupid. Don't be scared. He loves you. Remember that, alright?"

Marlene didn't leave Bobbi much time to reply with more than a quick nod as she disappeared into the night with one last wink.

Theo stood just a few feet away when Bobbi finally turned from the front door. She had heard his steps approach but still jumped at the sight when she found him leaning against the wall with his hands crossed over his chest, his eyes dark in the low light of the entryway.

"So. Are we going to talk about this? Or are you just going to pretend like everything's fine? Like always."

Bobbi shook her head. Her heart was racing and she felt her nerves near the edge, but Theo's look left no chance of calming down anytime soon.

She passed by him and headed for the basement steps. The sound of running water and faint humming came from behind the kitchen door as she passed and the dining room table sported less dishes still.

Theo called after her, even as his footsteps followed right behind hers.

"Bobbi. Wait."

Her hand grabbed for the rubber band wrapped tightly around her wrist and she gathered up her hair as her feet pounded down the basement steps and she entered the studio. All their work lay out as they had left it so many hours before.

With her hair out of her face and wrapped up in a tight bun on the back of her head, she crouched down on the soft carpet to dive right back into work.

Theo's own footsteps soon sounded through the room but paused before entering the studio. She could sense him standing in the doorway, watching her.

"Bobbi, what the hell is going on?"

"Well, see I️'m currently trying to decide whether or not we need both the blonde Taylor and the cherry red Gibson."

Her eyes flicked back and further between the acoustic guitar in one hand and the electric in her other.

"Bring both just in case and you know that's not what I meant."

Theo words were expelled from his mouth in a deep sigh as he finally entered the room.

Bobbi rose to place the two guitars in their cases and set them along side the rest fo the equipment they had already prepped for transport. She found it impossible to try and avoid his eyes when he blocked her steps and halted all work.

She took a deep breath and placed her hands on her hips before finally looking up at him. The green of his eyes softened the hard exterior she felt her heart trying to construct around itself. Her shoulders dropped along with the intended volume of her voice.

"What, Theo? What do you expect me to say?"

"The truth! For once. Did you or did you not finally tell you dad that you and I are in a relationship?"

Bobbi crossed her arms over her chest.

"No." She answered.

"So he still thinks everything he would ever possibly see on tv or read in the papers, anything he would ever hear about is true. Actual reality."

"Yes. I'm not going to tell him. He can't know."

"But you said you were going to. What the hell changed?"

"I realized I couldn't! I couldn't tell him and risk losing you. I couldn't have him blabbing about it to everyone he knows."

"So you lied about it and you lied to me to continue to lie to him?"

The reality of the situation fell heavy on her head in that moment as she saw Theo's eyes avert themselves from her own. It took another long minute before they finally came back.

"You promised. We talked about this. We set guidelines for a reason."

"I️ know. I'm aware."

"You promised, Bird."

Her eyes fell to the ground at his words.

"Yeah. Yeah, I know."

Theo's words kept going and the weight on her heart only grew heavier with each passing phrase.

"We said family knew. We said weren't going to jeopardize our relationships with our families by lying to them. Hell, it was your idea!"

"But that's just it, isn't it? He's not family."

Bobbi's words failed her for a second and pin pricked a hole in the tension that hung thick in the air. With another deep breath she started in again.

"He hasn't been for a long time. We tell your great aunt Muriel because she's legitimately crazy and still thinks the internet has something to do with birds. We can trust her."

Theo took a step forward, trying to bridge the gap between them.

"He's still your dad."

Bobbi took a step back, shaking her head.

"We can't trust him. I'm not telling him. It's one thing for us to joke around with the fans and try to get them to figure it out. It's another thing entirely for my own father to confirm our relationship."

Theo took two large steps and broke through all barriers she tried to raise against him. His hands reached down and grabbed ahold of hers, the warmth and tingling sensation at his touch raising the hairs on her arm and forced her eyes to look up and meet his.

"It doesn't matter-"

Bobbi tried shaking her head and replying with an insistent "But it does matter!"

Theo shut that down when he blocked off any chance of further sound from her lips when he pressed his against them.

He gained a few seconds of stunned silence from her to speak when they broke apart. His words fell soft and low, matching the ambient light of the room around them.

"No. It doesn't. We've been together for almost three years now. Do you really think something as small as your dad's big mouth and unfounded hatred of me is ever going to change how i feel about you? Or in anyway break what we've built together?"

Bobbi regained herself enough to shake her head.
Theo smiled down and Bobbi tried to return the sentiment.

She just ended up shaking her head as the cloud of thoughts and possibilities crashed back into her mind once Theo's spell wore off a bit.

"We can't tell him. I won't. And I doubt we'll ever be able to find a way to agree on this. Especially not tonight."

She dropped her hands from his and moved past him to return to the packing still left for them to do. A glance at the time only intensified her focus.

"You can go to bed. I'll finish down here and get Alfie to help me carry these to the front hall."

She crouched down again, her hands falling onto a heap of wires and gathering up what her mind laid out as necessary.

Theo didn't let silence fall between them for very long.

"Nope. Not happening."

Bobbi turned and looked up, just as Theo disappeared back up the steps. He returned half a minute later with Bobbi's jacket in his hand. She stood up and grabbed it, slipping it.

"This is not how we do things in this band."

He extended his hand out to her. Her gaze alternated between his hand and the bright look in his eyes.

"Where are we going?"

"Pacco's."

*********

The warm LA air gave them no reason for their jackets once they stepped off the plane. The sunshine and warm air did their job and forced each of the bandmates to disrobe and stuff their downs among their mound of luggage.

Alex stood waiting at baggage claim and they soon gathered each set of attention about them when their luggage cart towered high as case after case of guitar, bass and further recording equipment was piled on.

Alex led their entourage towards the exit, making sure the airport attendants were following close behind. They almost reached the exit uninterrupted and Bobbi could spot Frank standing in front of a large black SUV just beyond the sliding glass doors.

A small group of girls gathered up enough encourage and stepped in front of their path. Even after a late night, an early morning and a long flight, Bobbi still felt her lips curl upwards in a natural smile and saw the same on each of the boys as she lifted her glasses from her eyes and gently pulled up the sleeves of her sweater to expose her left forearm.

Quick introductions and exclamations of adoration tumbled out and each of the band mates responded accordingly. Alex stopped the exchanges before it go further. All four of them gave sincere apologies and even more sincere thanks for the girls support. Bobbi and Theo fell in line behind Alfie, Sam, Alex and the airport attendants, waiting their turn to head through the glass doors.

One of the girls caught their attention with a quick sentence and her words sent a glance down at each of their forearms where the two variations of three arrows now resided on them both.

They sent a glance first to each other then a smirk and a wink her way in reply.

"Hey! I like your new tattoos."