Nate

I parked Letty on the first free spot I found, killing the engine and feeling that bubble of anticipation getting larger in my chest.

Okay, calm the fuck down. I thought to myself reaching over to the bag at the passeger's seat's feet, taking out the thick jersey stuffed in there and replaced my current one with it, and over it my coat. I swiftly brushed my hair carelessly using the rearview mirror before hopping out my baby and locking her behind me. The freezing air got me immediately shuddering as I zipped the coat and stuck my hands on the pockets, trying to keep with me as much warmth as I could.

Ever since Christmas temperatures had decreased harshly and yesterday it had snowed massively, so now the whole town was all white, so beautiful and stuff but cold as hell... and I consumed most of Letty precarious heater last night, so if I couldn't fix it before tonight it would be one hell of a night. Yet this morning I looked around and the pieces I would be needed were far too expensive. I'd barely could afford a lame dinner on my own and Seth's invitation of lunch to on top of that added the reparation.

I let out a sigh, reaching one of the benches bordering the entrance of the fair and sitting there.

I'll have to beg someone to let me stay over. I'd been delaying it so far. I hated it. I didn't want to rely on peoples' pity, but what other option did I have now? Sleeping in Letty wasn't exactly available anymore. And how long could I stretch this little getaway? I was only delaying the inevitable... I knew it. But I knew as well that in the moment I stepped back in that flat Harold wouldn't be happy. At least I was hoping his anger erased partialy with the passing days.

Mom had called me a few times since that, but I adverted them all to the voicemail. I couldn't hear her voice. If she begged me to come back I would in an instant and, as I'd said, I better wait a bit longer before that.

If I stay away too much time they would go to the cops once more, tho. Honestly, I couldn't wait 'til I officially became an adult and they could no longer make me return. But until then...

Avoiding home on early January wasn't as easy as in the summer. For starters and as I mentioned, there was the weather thing. But also spending time for free was harder. Things on the outside were damn uncomfortable, but on the insides -bars, locals etc- you have to consume.

And on top of that, everyone was with Christmas and family events. Seth, Kimmy, the rest of the team... everyone was busy, I couldn't just go and attatched to them and interfere in all those traditions. It didn't work like that. I was lucky enough they occupate half of my time... but the other?

And on top of everything Hailey had been away all along.

But she was finally back from Washington and about to get here at any moment.

I wanted to go pick her up at the airport in the morning but she said she was exhausted and wanted to shower and take a nap first, and wouldn't accept my complains about it. Why? I just wanted to see her! After over a week I couldn't care less if she was disheaveled or half sleep, I just wanted to see her. But there was no use. She offered me then to join her lunch with her friends, but as desperate I was to see her already, I wouldn't want to intrude their meeting. Also Seth had invited me over and I wasn't in a position were I could reject a free meal, nor how he'd let me shower, shave and charge my phone as well; so I'd swallowed my impulse and agreed to meet at the fair after. On the other hand, it was almost better this way tho; pulling aside my eagerness to see her again, this way I wouldn't risk her seeing the bag and blankets I kept in Letty. That would be embarrassing.

I'd been living in my car like a hobo ever since New Year. I was at Seth's party that night, and when I got home the day after Harold was really mad, worst than usual. It was a nasty fight, I ended up battered as always and wouldn't risk seeing him since I knew for sure he was over it so I'd been sleeping in Letty ever since.

Spoty was staying at Kimmy's for now, since the truck was too cold and she was as in love with the kitten as myself. He seemed to like her as well so until I get to go back to my room he would be fine with her.

This whole situation was shitty as hell.

Suddenly two hands clamped over my eyes, darkening my eyesight and a known (and missed) vanilla scent engulfed me. "Guess who?"

The turmoil in my chest settled at her voice, calmed by her presence in that weird way she somehow managed everytime and I had to hold back a smile.

"Mhm, let me think..." I pretend to consider it, as if the way my skin reacted to her nearness wasn't enough proof. "Aubrey?" I taunted and felt her tensing, startled.

"Who's Aubrey?"

"You know, this red haired I know... Long legs, pretty eyes-"

"Oh really?" she straightened letting go of me and I turned to see her folding her arms and rounding the bench to stood before me instead. There she was, pretty as ever in her baby blue anorak and beanie tucked down covering her ears and brows, making her eyes looked bigger. "This isn't starting at its best, you know." Hailey pursed her lips but I could see she was joking as well. I stood, watching her chin tipped upwards to keep eye contact. "Why don't you go find this Aubrey instead?"

"Because," I tugged her by the hems of her soft, pluffy scarf and sliding my hold around her back anchored her closer, only realizing how much I'd actually missed her once she was back in my arms. It felt like a heavy weight was lifted from my soul. "My girlfriend's here and I wouldn't miss her."

That got her smiling, lightening my chest in that odd way I was still getting aclimated to. She then dragged her arms over my shoulders, standing on her tiptoes sealing our lips and sending that nerve-cracking spark down my spine. "It's so strange to hear you say that."

"What? That your my girlfriend?"

"Mhm." she hummed, kissing me again but once more it was too short. "I'll never get used to it."

Couldn't blame her, with how blatant I'd been about commitement and shit since we started messing around. On my part, tho, I'd became quite comfortable with the new title. Way easier than what I initially thought. The biggest issue about our current situation was that she literally moved few states away right after stablishing it and I hadn't seen her at all.

"Who's Aubrey?" she asked again with a frown and I shook my head with a smirk.

"No clue. I just made her up."

Her eyes rolled, but I could see some amusement and relief in her expression as well. "Such a unique sense of humor you have."

"Isn't it?"

"You're impossible." Hailey giggled and her arms squeezed me tightly, pressing my sore muscles but I couldn't bring myself to care as she kissed me as hungrily as myself. The moment Hailey's lips touched mine I found myself melting into her, the stirring in my chest buzzing. I could only smile at her cheerfulness. Of seeing me, go figure. Her glove-clad hands curled on my nape. "I didn't know I would miss you so much."

I, on the other hand, knew all along ten days without seeing my brand new girlfriend would felt like years of starvation. Her words got me smiling stupidly. "So you've missed me?"

"Terribly."

I didn't even realized I'd kissed her again until the bliss overpowered my senses. I cupped her face, nibbling on her plump lower lip and feeling her shuddering but it wasn't enough. I stepped forward, deepening the kiss as her back met the lampost by our side and I was sent to cloud nine immediately. Fireworks ignited under my skin, our heat contrasting against the icy air.

It made me happy -so happy- to know I'd been on her mind at least a portion of what she's been on mine. My arm snaked around her lower back, arcing her into me to get closer, immediately disliking the thick anorak that forbid me to feel even remotedly her figure. It felt like hugging plastic. Did our first encounter really had to be outside? But then again; winter, money... all that. Instead I traced down her jawline, to the heated skin hid behind her scarf, so smooth against my lips... and both taming and setting on the burning crave in my roaring chest.

But even with my blaze I knew depriving her from the warmth those thick shields provide her in the snowy weather would be way worst than controlling my cravings. So I kissed her neck one last time, releving in her shiver and gasp and fixed her scarf once more, pulling away to meet her lips once more. Good enough for me.

"I've missed you terribly as well." I managed to mumble, hoping not to sound as breathless as I felt. But once more, my thoughts didn't really succeded when I focused on her light eyes, looking at me that way that made my pulse speed, so instead I cleared my throat and decided to move on before I start kissing her again and forget about everything else. "I got you something."

"Really?" her face lighted up in surprise and then excitement as I guided us back to the bench and smirked when she sat by my side, really close. "You didn't have too."

"You'll change your mind soon." I taunted tucking my hand in the pocket of my jacket and sliding out the paper bag I bought earlier. "Happy late Christmas."

"Nate," she grinned and took it, casually bitting her lip and testing my self control while carefully unfolding the lace over it. "You really didn't have to... Oh my God. You got me chocolates? " her eyes widened and looked up at me and smiled beautifully. "You know me so well."

"You know what they say, the way to a girl's heart is through her stomach."

"Isn't it to a man's heart?"

"Whatever." I waved and she laughed, struggling to shrink the free hand out her glove and save it on the pocket of her anorak. Without really thinking I took her naked hand, loving the way her skin felt against mine. Way better like this.

"You're so cold." she pressed a kiss on my backhand and a chill shot so aggresively from there to my chest I almost flinch. Man, I'm fucked up. Hailey then tilted her head tauntingly as I laced our fingers. "Are you trying to charm me?"

"Is it working?"

She smiled shyly, lowering her lashes almost seductibly. "Maybe."

"Okay." I let out a soft laugh, feeling vulnerable for some reason as I let her hand go so she could take one of the mini bonbons. Which was kinda stupid but well, since when I acted rationally with Hailey.

"I got you something too, but I forgot it in the suitcase." she frowned, fishing in the paper bag. "I'll give it to you later."

"What? You already gave me a kitten, remember?"

"Oh, yeah, the little monster." she laughed, her eyes shining when she took out a little chocolate and almost moaning as she took it in her mouth as if it was the most delicious thing she's ever tasted. "How is it?"

"He's staying with Kimmy now."

"Really? Why?"

I hesitated as she took another piece. See? I shouldn't even had brought it up, but there was a soft halo whenever we were together than made me more willing to open up... and now I was caught in a a tricky place. I couldn't tell her I was currently homeless. Hell no. But just thinking of lying got my guts in a tight knot. So I went for a partial truth.

"She loves him too" I shrugged. "And her parents usually work for Christmas break and she tents to feel lonely in her place by herlself all the time."

She hummed, grinning warmly. "That's so kind of you."

My stomach swirled. This was what I get for holding back the truth, getting praised as if I was the one doing a favor to Kimmy.

"Whatever." I turned away, unable to bear the look in her eyes when I knew it was for something unreal. I could tell Hailey was taken aback by my sudden reaction but didn't pressed further, instead she took another bit of the chocolates and offered me one as well. Trying to hold on the cheerfulness and not let it drop I change the topic. "So how had it been in Washington?"

She took it easily, strightening her back animatedly. "Good. It's weird to be all together at once, you know? It rarelly happens lately but I'm so glad we get to for a bit. My granpa's house isn't that big, but somehow we managed to instale everyone: us and my mother's sisters plus package... you wouldn't believe it. I had to share a bedroom with three of my cousins..." her nose scrunched. "Well that part wasn't that great, but fun whatever. And Dad was there. I think that was the biggest surprise."

Yeah, she told me over the phone her dad got a leave from the marines and met the whole family on Christmas day. Knowing she worried constantly about his safety even if she wouldn't let it show I knew it was important to see him in person. As far as I knew they hadn't in months and probably won't in another long time.

"Have you father come back here as well?" I asked after she detailed more of their little christmas break in Washington.

"Oh, no." she looked down, pursing her brows. "His leave only lasted for a week and he had to go back so he parted this early morning right before we took the plane."

"I'm sorry..." I dropped my arm over the back of the bench and grazed her back... well the plastic. I fiddled with the hem of one of her soft strands instead founding a weird fascination in the texture.

"It's fine." Hailey lifted one shoulder, cheering up once more. "He stayed for the important dates, and that's what matters, right? It's been nice to see him even if was just for a few days." she fished a new chocolate and handed me another. "Shane told him about you, by the way."

My heart did a little somersault. "W-what? Why?"

"Because he's a babblermouth." she rolled her eyes. "He just loves to mess with us and decided that taunt me about it all the time would be fun. Also since he's such a fanboy too he would almost made you look like some kind of God or something. It was so embarrassing." she grimaced. "But at least he didn't told mom, just my father."

I couldn't help but smile even with the slight unsettling in my chest. Shane was a fun kid, he was kinda cool and the times I met him he always was so nice to me, but Hailey say that was because he was a 'fanboy'. The other twin, tho, didn't seemed to mind me at all. And well, I remembered all too well Matt's opinion about us. So I guess I could say I'd won over half of her brothers. And now her father knew too.

I cleared my throat. "Did he, um, said something?"

"He mention that it would be nice to meet you over the videocalls at some point, b-but don't worry." she added quickly. "It doesn't have to be soon... or at all if he doesn't bring it back again."

Good. One thing is to accept the whole dating thing, but meeting parents? Hell no. I wasn't even in good terms with mine to go and get involved with someone else's.

"Okay."

"Okay." she sighed, relief it didn't scare me away yet and slid closer in the bench, her thigh pressing mine and I accommodate my arm around her better. "And how has been your Christmas here?"

Again. How was I supposed to answer that truly without giving too much away? "Fine." her brows shot upwards but I bit my tongue before messing up, adding carefully: "Busy." and squeezed my brain thinking about something not pathetic about this break to tell her. "You missed one hell of a New Year Party."

Now that spiked her interest. "Oh, so I've heard. Do tell."

"Tell what?"

"What really happen with Bear, Logan and Vickie."

"Oh," I laughed awkwardly, brushing my hair more comfortable with someone elses messes than explaining mine. "That... em, I don't really know?"

Surprised she tilted her head. "Weren't you there?"

"Well, yeah, but not there, there. I was with Seth at the other side." I frowned, trying to remember the details before the 'fight'. "I think Bear was triggered when they kissed entering the year."

She hummed, amused. Why? "That's what I thought but she refused to speak about it." then smirked tipping her chin thoughtfully. "And why would Logan and Vickie triggered Bear, uh?"

I shrugged. Truth being told, his snap at the party took me completely by surprise. As far as I knew, he had brought himself a couple girls who he was planning to use for a great 'start of the year', I'd lost him in the crowd, and next I knew he was trying to rip Logan's Dawson's head off. "It's been a while since I stopped trying to make any sense on what Bear does. Plus, he was drunk, meaning more impredictable."

But Hailey hummed, shaking her head at my vague explanation. "I think he likes her."

"Bear? Liking Vickie?" I snorted, pushing down my chuckle at her narrowing gaze. "Babe, they can't stand each other."

"Oh yeah? Then why try and fight the guy that tried to kiss her, uh?"

"As I said, he was drunk. And it's Bear. He doesn't need a reason to 'try and fight' someone."

"And in Winter Ball?" she pressed, convinced. "He couldn't stop glaring at her."

"Exactly, glaring."

"He was jealous. Just like when she got that date, and whenever a potential likeable guy neared her. He's always picking on her and as childish as it is, I really think he has a crush on her."

"Hailey... It's Bear. I wouldn't even be surprise if he didn't know what crush means. He's just not like that."

But Hailey shook her head, stubbornly. "He wants her. I'm telling you. He just doesn't have the guts to admit it and ask her out."

"Alright, no." I chuckled and her lips pouted frustratedly. "You almost got me there for a second, but asking out? As in dating? Nah, it's Bear, Hailey. And him wanting something serious... Please. If you only knew what things he said about us when-"

"What?" her head snapped, eyes wide and insecure and I inwardly cursed at my slip. "What did he say about us?"

"Um, nothing." really convincing, man. "Just some bullshit. You know how he is, on this line of... well you know." my lame explication didn't had an effect and she still looking worried. So I sighed, brushing my hair. "He mostly say bullshit about me being stupid enough to get tied down. That's all."

She nodded, but that look remained stirring my insides. "And you feel like it?"

"No! Of course no."