𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 ➺ 𝐵𝓇𝒾𝒶𝓃 𝑀𝒶𝓎/𝒬𝓊𝑒𝑒𝓃

𝟒𝟕 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝-𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠

A/N

I have officially finished writing this book! We're nearing the end, and I want to thank everyone for their continued support. 

I hope you enjoy the next four chapters, and make sure to let me know what you think! 

XX

**mature content warning**

//

June 1976 – Twickenham, London

The morning of our move-in day was a symphony of controlled chaos.

Sunlight spilled through the windows, casting warm patterns on the bare walls, lending an air of optimism to the bustling activity. Brian and I had already begun carting boxes from the moving van, the excitement of starting a new chapter infusing every step with an electric buzz.

Chris and Roger were our trusty accomplices for the day. Brother by blood and brother by choice both lending a hand in constant back and forth. It was like having two kids around once they met each other and got talking, but they were definitely useful when it came to lugging larger things back and forth.

"There's a banister there, you melon," Chris jabbed at Roger when he stumbled into the end of the staircase, his vision blocked by two boxes in his hands.

"Oi, you're not the one carrying two massive boxes full of your friend's space shit."

"That's not my space shit, Rog, it's—oh wait it is, don't you fucking drop that!" Brian yelled from his place in the living room.

I couldn't help but smile at the back and forth, a somewhat harmonious backdrop to the physical exertion that defined the day.

"Oh, careful with that vase, love, it was my mother's," Brian warned me with a soft smile.

"Don't worry, I've got it," I reassured him with a small laugh. "It's lovely. Where do you want to put it?"

"I think it would be best if we put it on the windowsill for now, love." He gestured over to the window, and I obliged, carefully setting it down.

"How come your mum gave you a vase?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Um, she wanted to have some contribution to the new house, is what she said to me. She sent it in a load of bubble wrap and two boxes, so I assume it's special," he chuckled.

"Sounds about right for Ruth," I grinned, leaning up and giving Brian a quick kiss on the cheek before heading out to get something else.

Navigating the hallway, my heart swelled with a mixture of anticipation and nostalgia, in a sense. This house, with its sunlit corners and beautiful surroundings, was becoming more than just a physical space—it was becoming a home, a sanctuary in the whirlwind of our lives.

It was a little bit stressful, being so active in such intoxicating heat, but the destination overtook the journey. I was excited. It was really happening. I was moving in with Brian, and we'd have our first night in our own house together!

All four of us ended up tackling the last piece of furniture that we'd purposefully put off until now, with it being a large vintage wardrobe that needed to be lugged upstairs.