𝓒𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐒𝐒, 𝐏𝐄𝐎𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐒 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐄, ᶻᵃʸⁿ ᵐᵃˡⁱᵏ

𝐗𝐈𝐕. 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥?

i pulled up to august's house as twilight settled in. august and val were already outside, leaning against the doorframe with that smug grin of his.

"hello august." i called out as i stepped out of the car. "thanks for having val. had to get the work done."

"hello wife!" august grinned, his eyes twinkling. "you look shockingly put together. did you finally figure out how to manage that shitshow?"

"oh, very funny, ahahah." i shot back, rolling my eyes. "just because i'm not falling apart doesn't mean i'm your 'wife.' you're still 'auggie waggie' to me."

"ahhhh, yes," he said with a dramatic sigh. "auggie waggie, the underappreciated hero in your life. and you, my dear wife, are as charming as ever."

"yeah, yeah," i nudged him. "just don't get used to it. i might start calling you 'uncle august' if you keep this up."

august chuckled. "uncle august sounds worse than auggie waggie. i'll stick with the latter, thanks."

"fine by me," i said with a smirk. "just remember, i'll be sure to remind you of your nickname every chance i get."

he laughed. "looking forward to it. anyway, i've got a hot date with a pizza and a netflix marathon."

"sounds thrilling," i raised an eyebrow. "enjoy your 'date.' i'll try not to miss you too much."

august gave a mock bow. "farewell, my dear wife. may your evening be as exciting as mine."

"sure thing," i waved him off as he walked away. "and remember, no breaking hearts or pizza boxes."

with august gone, i turned to valentina. "alright, baby. ready to head home?"

valentina's eyes lit up. "yesssss! but can we see zayn now pweaseee?"

i sighed, dialing zayn's number, fully aware that calling him would bring complications.

after a few rings, he answered.

" isobella," zayn said. "what's up?"

"hi zayn," i tried to keep my tone light. "valentina's been asking for you like you're the next big thing. can you come over?"

"seriously?" he replied, sounding amused. "she's met me once. why is she suddenly so obsessed?"

"your guess is as good as mine," i said, smirking. "she thinks you're the coolest thing since sliced bread. might want to come over before she has a meltdown."

"alright, alright," he said, chuckling. "i'll be there. but if she starts asking for a concert or something, you're handling it."

"deal," i said, hanging up. "he's on his way."

when we arrived home, his car was already parked outside. he was waiting on the porch, looking a bit unsure of what he was getting into.

"hello zuperman, " i called out as we got out of the car. "thanks for coming. val's been eager."

"belle," zayn said, trying to sound relaxed. "hi, valentina."