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Okayyyy!!! I was in the mood to write! So why not write something for my dear friend @sigyn-foxyposts

February. Months of love being in the air, hearts and roses at every corner. Nothing new. All the same in this materialistic existence. At least to the pessimists. Jesse meanwhile on her doorstep, taking in the breeze, gently twisting a single rose between her fingertips. Not a single thorn. Just a smooth, damp stem wrapped in a red bow.

“Got a Valentine?” a voice broke through the air. She recognized it. Charlie.

Her body slightly jumped at the sudden break in silence, “Jeez mind giving me a heads up next time?”

“Sorry” he shrugged with a grin sitting beside her.

“And I don’t know. You know how my dad is” Jesse sighed, still twisting the rose.

“Uncle Jig? Yeah, probably press you for details for hours” he smickered, fingers gripping the concrete, “But ya know that’s just how he is”

“I know, it’s just embarrassing. Everytime I think about him. I feel my entire face just heats

up” she muttered, lowering her shoulders.

“Sounds like you got it baaaddd” Charlie laughed lightly nudging Jess.

“Oh shut it Arlie. I know he does it because he cares about me, but I don’t even know how to feel about it”

“Well” Charlie spoke, pausing thinking his words through, “If even thinking about it gets you flustered it sounds like you like him. Like Likkkkeee him”

“Shouldn’t you be doing something insane with the triplets or something?” she added, giving a brief playful side eye.

“Should be buttttt they’re out of town for the weekend” Charlie leaned forward slightly, “Plussss this is way more fun”

Jesse lowered her head into her hands letting out a breath, “Glad to know someone’s getting some amusement outta this”

“Oh you have no idea”

“I know my dad does it out of love. I know that. But it’s just…I don’t know…” she continued her head still in her hands.

Charlie rose slightly placing a gentle hand on her shoulder, “Come on, how about we ask people who’ve actually ya know dated before. I'm sure we’ll find someone in our family who’s got some type of advice ”

“Who are we even gonna ask?” Jesse sat up, leaning forward, her chin now in her hands.

“What about Ness or Chelsea? They seem to have married life figured out. And plus they’re real close by” Charlie suggested already on his feet.

“Alright Ray we’ll give it a shot” Jesse agreed, practically forcing herself to her legs. Her body swaying just slightly, rose still in her hands.

The walk over wasn’t awful, a few cars passing, birds fluttering by, not many people wandering about, except for the two cousins. Charlie walked with a slight pep in his step, always enjoying a fun pop in visits with family, while Jesse strolled posture upright while her feet dragged, hands still fiddling with the rose.

“Alright” he smiled, setting his hand on his hip, as the other pressed the doorbell. It took a brief moment before the door opened, revealing a man, shoulders square, smile widening, bright eyes with a golden amberlaced glow, jaw strong with facial hair and blonde locks falling around his ears. Ness.

“Hey!” he smiled, raising his hands slightly, eyes lighting up. “What brings you two here?” he asked with cheerful brows, motioning for them to enter, stepping aside. “Zinnia baby! Look who's here!” he called out.

The woman stepped out from the hallway, happily making her way to her husband's side, her dark curls hooking around her in whimsical adoring swirls, mocca skin melting with his fair hue as their hands interlocked. She smiled wide, as she balanced their youngest daughter on her hip. “Ah! Charlie y Jesse. What brings you here!?” she turned over her shoulder calling out, “Girls! Come downstairs! Your cousins are here!” With that quick footsteps followed rushing down the stairs, 3 young girls bright eyed and grinning ear to ear, swallowing them in hugs and kisses.

After a warm little reunion, the two teens facing the couple. Charlie far more relaxed than Jesse whose back had been straight as a board

“So! We were wondering” Charlie started, cupping his hands together, “When you really like someone”.

“This about that rose Jesse’s holding?” Zinnia asked with a smirk, nudging her husband, who had been cleaning off his glasses.

“Yeah” she said with a nod.

“Oh well, well I found out I first liked Zi, my brain kept fogging up and my cheeks would burn. And ya know the feeling when ya go down on a roller coaster?”

The kids nodded in unison.

“Thats the feeling I’d get whenever I tried to talk to her” he blushed recounting the memories.

“For me I could never stand still. I would always be swaying or rocking up and down on my heels. I could never stop smiling and I’d giggle a lot when I was around him. Always felt the butterflies” she brushed his side leaning more of her weight against him.

Ness’s blush deepened, as he pushed his glasses further up his nose. “And next thing I know were here happy with 4 girls”

Jesse's grip on the rose tightened, her face flushing once more. Charlie could only smile, his cheeks pressing upward revealing his pearly canines. “That is so sweet. So Jess ya feel anything like that?”

Jesse shrugged, tapping her finger on the table, “ I don’t know…What if he doesn’t even like me like that and he was just being friendly”

Zinnia quietly took a breath, lightly holding Jess’s hand, “You’re still young. Feelings are complicated. You don’t have to know right away. Right Amor?”

Ness agreed with a headnod, “Yeah, plus the kid gave you a rose. No guy just gives out roses to people who aren’t important to them”

Jesse huffed sulking further into the table, “I guess”

“Alrighty, well thanks guys but we got one more stop to hit” Charlie stood, tapping Jesse's shoulder motioning for her to stand up.

“Oh alright! Swing by anytime!” Ness waved, as the two were already heading out the door.

The two of them, back on the side walk strolling, Charlie's pep still in his step as he skipped along the concrete. “Next up Chelsea’s”

Jess managed a brief thumbs up, keeping pace with her cousin. The rose still in her hand.

Jesse let out a small breath through her nose, fingers absently brushing over the bow again. The ribbon was slightly wrinkled now, warmed from her grip.

Chelsea’s place sat just a few blocks down, tucked between two houses with wide porches and wind chimes that sang softly whenever the breeze rolled through. The closer they got, the slower Jesse’s steps became, though Charlie didn’t comment, just adjusted his pace to match hers.

Before she could stall any further, Charlie bounded up the steps and knocked twiceJesse lingered a step behind her shoulders tight. The door opened almost immediately.

“Oh! Hey you two!” Chelsea beamed, leaning against the doorframe. Her hair was pulled back loosely, a smudge of flour on her cheek like she’d been mid-project. “Well this is a surprise.”

Charlie grinned. “Got a minute?”

She stepped aside, eyes flicking to Jesse. “Come on in! And please excuse the mess, I was in the mood to bake plus I’ve been having the itch for sugar cookies”

The two entered the home looking at pictures and trinkets that sat on shelves. “So where’s Benny?” Charlie asked, poking his head around the corner.

“Oh he’s in his office. You can go in if you like just make sure to knock on his desk” she added, wiping off any excess flour on her.

Jesse and Charlie both went down the hall following the glare of computer light. Their eyes found Benny who had been typing up what looked to be a report, using three different monitors, filled with research. Charlie was first to enter, approaching his brother in law, who had been fixated on the screens, tapping his fist firmly against the table. Benny’s gaze pulled away from the screens sensing the vibrations, his mismatched eyes landing on Charlie. His brows raised in delight at the sight of them.

He signed first, quick, familiar motions, before slowing himself down.

You two look sneaky, he signed, along with mouthing the words

Charlie laughed silently, exaggerating his nod before signing back, a little clumsy but enthusiastic. We come in peace.

Benny smirked at him before raising his hands once again.

You’ve been practicing

Charlie nodded his expression widening into another grin.

Benny’s gaze shifted then past Charlie.

To Jesse.

He paused, eyes softening. He signed slower this time, deliberately, making sure she could follow, even speaking out each word.

Hey, Jess. Didn’t expect to see you today.

She swallowed, then signed back, hands a little shaky. Hi.

His eyes flicked down briefly.

The rose.

He tilted his head slightly but didn’t bring it up.

Why don’t we head to the kitchen? Something smells good. We could talk over treats? Ben signed, standing up and making his way over to the teens.

Both gave a thumbs up as they all made their way to the kitchen. Benny’s eyes softened when landing on Chelsea. His frame happily swallowed hers, as two arms wrapped around her middle, holding her gently.

Chelsea smiled into Benny’s chest as his arms wrapped around her, one hand lifting to rest against his wrist. She signed something quick and affectionate, and he chuckled silently, pressing a kiss to the top of her head before letting go. Benny followed the movement without thinking, his expression softening further. He signed back something quick and fond, earning a quiet laugh from her as she swatted his wrist lightly.

“Sit, sit,” Chelsea added, pulling out a chair for Jesse before easing herself down more carefully than before. She let out a small breath as she settled, one hand bracing against the counter for balance.

Charlie noticed but said nothing, already mid-bite. Jesse did notice just barely but didn’t comment.

Benny leaned closer to Chelsea, signing low and close. You okay?

She nodded, smiling. Just tired.

He turned back to the teens, gesturing toward the counter where a plate of still-warm pastries sat cooling. Help yourselves, he signed.

Charlie wasted no time, already reaching for one. Jesse hesitated before taking a small one, fingers brushing flour dusted along the edge of the plate.

They settled around the kitchen island. Benny leaned against the counter, arms crossed loosely, watching Jesse with quiet attentiveness.

Chelsea nudged him gently. “They came for advice,” she said aloud, then signed the same thing smoothly.

So, he signed, What’s weighing on you?

Jesse swallowed. Her lips parted before pausing, “It’s okay if I just say it. I don’t wanna mess up while trying to sign”

Benny nodded with a shy grin. I can lip read you’re good

“It’s just…” she started, eyes flicking between Benny and Chelsea. “I don’t know how you’re supposed to tell the difference between liking someone and just… wanting to like someone.”

Charlie paused mid-chew, glancing at her.

Chelsea tilted her head, listening carefully. She rested her elbow against the counter, chin settling into her palm. “That’s a good question,” she said softly.

Benny tilted his head, softening his hands. Do you think you're afraid of something?

“I think I’m scared,” she admitted quietly. “If I let myself hope, and it turns out I was wrong…”

Benny’s hands moved immediately, firm but gentle. Being wrong doesn’t mean you were foolish.

For a moment, no one spoke. The kitchen hummed softly, the quiet tick of a clock, the faint sound of the oven cooling. Chelsea shifted her weight, adjusting her stance, and Benny’s hand brushed briefly at her back before returning to rest on the counter.

“Then what does it make me? What does it even mean” Jesse asked

Benny gave a reassuring smile. Means you tried.

Chelsea leaned forward, offering warmth, “Look you don't have to do anything you don’t want to. If you like him as a friend then great. If you like him more than a friend, great. If you don’t know then that's okay too. I would know. I left him in the friend zone for years before I finally gave him a shot”

Jesse blinked, processing Chelsea’s words. “So… it’s okay to just… feel it out?”

“Exactly,” Chelsea said, leaning back slightly, one hand resting lightly against her lower side as she shifted her weight. “No rush. No labels you’re not ready for. Just… notice what makes you smile.”

Benny nodded, signing carefully. Feelings are messy. Don’t stress

Charlie, crumbs forgotten, looked between them with wide eyes. “So basically just do you? Let things happen?”

“Pretty much,” Chelsea laughed, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Her other hand brushed a stray flour mark off her shirt as she shifted again. “And remember, sometimes someone can surprise you, too. Even when you think you’re just friends I know it surprised me.”

Jesse’s fingers unconsciously twisted the rose again, the petals brushing against her palm. Her chest felt lighter, though her thoughts still fluttered nervously. “Okay… I think I get it.”

“Good,” Benny said softly, leaning against the counter. His gaze was steady, encouraging. And no matter what, you’re not alone in figuring it out.

Chelsea gave a small, knowing smile, a quiet warmth in her eyes. “Exactly. Take your time. You’ll know when it matters. ”

Charlie shoved the last bite of pastry into his mouth, eyes sparkling. “See, Jesse? Told you this stop was worth it!”

Jesse snorted softly, shaking her head. “I hate that you were kinda right…I guess”

Charlie gasped, “You all saw that? She admitted I was right”

Benny smiled, catching the exchange, his eyes flicking between their faces. He signed lightly, teasing. Big moment.

Jesse slid off her chair, fingers closing around the rose again. She hesitated, then turned back toward Benny and Chelsea. “Thank you. Really.”

Benny’s hands moved gently. Anytime. And Jess?He paused until she looked up at him.

Whatever happens, be kind to yourself first.

Her throat tightened just a little. She nodded. “I will.”

Chelsea stepped forward and wrapped her into a quick, careful hug. “You’ve got a good heart,” she murmured. “Trust it.”

Outside, the late afternoon sun dipped lower, painting the street in soft golds and pale pinks. Jesse and Charlie walked side by side again, but this time her steps didn’t drag. The rose rested loosely in her hand, no longer twisted, no longer squeezed.

Charlie glanced at her sideways. “So?”

“So… what?”

“Any of this help ya at all?” Charlie asked, tucking a loose strand of hair behind his ear.

“Yeah. It actually did. Thanks Char”

“Anytime” he smile, playfully throwing finger guns at her, his pace slowing as they reached her house. “Well I better get going. See ya”

“See ya” she waved, as she turned the door knob. When she stepped inside she has already seen her dad chopping vegetables, pausing when he sensed her, giving her his full attention

“How was your outing?" he asked, leaning forward slightly.

“It was nice” she responded, setting the rose aside, “Hey dad can I talk to you about something?”

“Of course. What troubles you?” he spoke, softening his tone, pulling a chair and setting himself down. “Remember Henry?”

Jig gave a slight nod. “Yes, I recall a boy by that name”

“He gave me a rose for Valentine's day…and I don’t know what that's supposed to mean. Does he like me? Was he just being a good friend? But I think I like…like…like him…Are you mad?” she asked, scrunching her shoulders closer together

“Mad?” he echoed softly.

Jesse nodded, bracing herself. Her fingers twisted together now that the rose wasn’t there to fidget with.

“No,” Jig said simply. “Why would I ever be mad?”

Her shoulders dropped a fraction.

“I’m aware at your age, emotions tend to feel stronger than they did in the past. It’s normal”

She swallowed. “I just… I don’t know what I’m doing.”

Jig nodded slowly. “No one ever really does at first.”

He leaned forward then, elbows resting on his knees. “Tell me this instead. How does he make you feel?”

Jesse hesitated. Thought of Henry’s awkward smile. The way he’d held the rose out toward her, his face red as the rose he held.

“My chest feels… tight,” she said quietly. “But not bad. And I keep thinking about dumb little things he does. And sometimes I get nervous for no reason.”

Jig leaned back with a quiet hum, eyes unfocusing for a moment as if he were sifting through old memories of his own.

“And this boy, in regards to your emotions. Do you believe them to be positive when around him”

She nodded.

He glanced toward the counter where the rose lay. “If this Henry brings you kindness, respect, and warmth, then allow yourself to enjoy that. No labels required.”

She smiled, small but genuine. “Okay.”

Jig rose then, returning to his vegetables, but not before resting a hand briefly on the top of her head. “And for the record,” he added, a hint of dry humor slipping in, “if he ever stops being kind, we will revisit this conversation.”

Jesse laughed softly. “Deal.”

Jig gently tucking aside one of her locks as his vermillions met her coffee iris’s, “And if he does inflict harm upon you, I will happily break him in two”

Jesse laughed again, a little louder this time, though her cheeks warmed. “Dad—”

“I’m joking,” Jig added smoothly, though the look in his eyes, however, suggested the joke only went so far.

“Now, do please go get your brother from his room” Jig said, adjusting his grip on the kitchen knife as he started cutting the carrots.

“He’s still up there?” she asked, surprised.

“Yes, and mortified. He attempted to make conversation with the girl he is fond of and his voice cracked sharply”

Jesse’s eyes widened, then immediately lit up with barely contained delight. “Oh no.”

“Yes,” Jig said calmly, slicing through another carrot. “Apparently it was… memorable.”

She grinned, already backing toward the hallway. “I’ll go ‘rescue’ him.”

“Do be gentle,” Jig added dryly. “He may never recover.”

Jesse snorted as she headed upstairs, her footsteps light despite the emotional weight of the day finally settling into something comfortable.

She knocked once. “Are you alive in there?”

There was a pause. Then the muffled sound of a pillow being thrown dramatically against a wall. “Go away Jess. Wait, is Charlie there?”

She leaned against the doorframe, smiling. “Dad sent me. Said something about a tragic voice crack? And nope he just left”

The door creaked open just enough for her brother’s face to appear, cheeks flushed, hair a mess. “He told you? And seriously!? COME ON. When I need a guy to talk to he leaves ”

“Oh yeah he mentioned it. Might wanna brace yourself ya might get the growing older talk”

He groaned again, dragging a hand down his face. “I sounded like I was twelve.”

Jesse tilted her head, sympathetic but amused. “Was she nice about it?”

“I mean she punched the guy who laughed at me. So I guess?”

“Could’ve been a lot worse,” she shrugged.

“Eh maybe. I just texted Charlie, Jamie and Will, pure skull emotions”

He flopped back onto his bed dramatically, arm slung over his eyes. “I am never speaking again. I’m taking a vow of silence.”

“You’ll last ten minutes,” she said, sitting on the edge of his desk chair and spinning it slightly. “Five if Charlie responds with a meme.”

As if summoned, his phone buzzed. He peeked at the screen through his fingers and groaned. “He sent a coffin emoji.”

Downstairs, Jig called up that dinner would be ready soon. Jesse stood, smoothing her sleeves. “C’mon. If you hide any longer, dad will come up here and give you the speech.”

He visibly paled. “Okay, okay I’m moving.”

They headed down together; the house filled with familiar sounds and warmth. Jesse caught sight of the rose still resting on the counter, petals catching the light. She paused just long enough to pick it up, fingers gentle this time finally letting herself feel without overthinking it.

#Jesse Kramer #Charlie Ray #Ness Shaw #Zinnia Shaw #Chelsea Ray #Benny Adler #Johnathan Kramer