The Sun and Her Moon | CHONI |

Thirty Seven

The group had ordered pizza that evening, Cheryl's treat for the boys help. It was getting late and Toni told Tommy it was his bedtime, he didn't even moan about it, he was really excited about spending the night in his new room. Toni asked Cheryl to join her while she put the little boy to bed which she happily agreed to, leaving Veronica, Sweet Pea and Fangs in the lounge alone, not that any of them were uncomfortable. 'So Veronica' Sweet Pea broke the silence first 'how long have you known Cheryl?'. 'We've literally been friends since we were children, she's one of the most important people in my life for sure'. 'That's cool' he nodded 'so were you there when Cheryl and Toni met?' he carried on the conversation. 'No I wasn't but I did run into them the day Toni and Tommy invited her to the park for the first time' she smiled at the memory. 'Oh really, what did you think?'. The questions were casual, knowing Cheryl and Toni was the only thing the group had in common at the moment. 'I knew they'd end up together from that moment. It's only been a couple of months but I've never seen Cheryl like this with anyone, like ever'. 'Wow, sounds special' Fangs joined in the conversation now. 'I think it is, dare I say even a forever thing' she nodded.

'Okay Cheryl's turn to read the story tonight' Tommy smiled as he climbed into his bed. 'Don't you think your mommy would do a better job?' Cheryl asked slightly embarrassed to do the voices Tommy requested in front of her girlfriend. 'Not tonight' Tommy yawned 'I would like it if you did it'. 'Okay then' Cheryl nodded picking up the book he had chosen. Toni laid next to him while Cheryl sat at the bottom of the bed and began the story. Her face slightly blushing as she tried to make her voices with the characters, she dared to look at Toni but she wasn't laughing at her, in fact she was looking at her in awe. The redhead looked back down at the book and continued reading until Tommy fell asleep not feeling quite so embarrassed now. They crept out of the room and Cheryl was about to head down the stairs but Toni grabbed her hand. 'Wait'. 'TT what's wrong?' the redhead asked looking at their joined hands. 'I just wanted to say thank you for giving Tommy his own room, he loves it'. 'No thank you Toni for being here, both you and Tommy have brought me so much joy since you came into my life' she smiled sweetly swinging their hands slightly. 'I love you' Toni smiled leaning in. 'I love you' Cheryl said with a matching smile as she closed the gap.

'Cute' Veronica interrupted as she got to the top of the stairs and entered the bathroom. 'Come on' Cheryl smiled as she led Toni back downstairs shaking her head at her friend. The boys were just putting on their jackets when the couple got downstairs. 'We're gonna head home' Fangs smiled. 'Me too' Veronica said as she walked down the stairs 'it's been nice to see you guys and I'm glad I finally got to meet you two' she smiled at Toni's brothers. She put on her coat before pulling Cheryl and then Toni in for a hug, she waved a final goodbye before shutting the door behind her. 'Anyway' Sweet Pea laughed 'as Fangs was saying were gonna head home, it's been nice day today guys'. 'Okay guys, thank you for your help today' Toni smiled. 'Yeah thank you both' Cheryl added. 'No problem' Fangs smiled as they walked out of the door. Toni was just about to shut the door before Sweet Pea opened his mouth 'hey T, when will you be coming home?'. 'Don't worry I'll call and give you plenty of notice so you can make sure the place is clean' she laughed before the couple waved a final goodbye before shutting the door.

But Toni never called to let her brothers know she was spending the night at her apartment. It had been a few months and Toni, Cheryl and Tommy had found a solid routine living at the redheads house. Of course she saw her brothers often and now they didn't even mention anything about her returning to the apartment. Cheryl had gotten used to sharing her home with the Topaz's and she couldn't deny it was the happiest she'd ever been. They were all completely comfortable around each other. Tommy walked around freely now without Toni watching his every move, he'd take himself into his bedroom to play whenever he wanted as long as he was careful on the stairs. Toni was still working at Pops sometimes starting earlier leaving Cheryl to do the school run. Sometimes when they were just doing the mundane things at home they'd catch the other one staring in awe causing each of them to blush. They'd had plenty of barbeques with Toni's brothers and their friends when the days had been nice. When Cheryl looked around now she saw Toni and Tommy everywhere. The photos of the three of them that other people had taken were in frames scattered around the house and she loved it.