He Who Conquers Others Is Strong, He Who Conquers Himself Is Mighty

The Start of Forever

AMELIA'S POV

I looked around the space sighing with contentment. I had finally done it. I had moved into my own apartment. It had been a faster process than I expected- but I think that had something to do with the presence of a certain famous friend of mine who helped things along slightly. I had a lot to thank Julian and Penny for. They had been beyond sweet to allow me into their home- especially at such a pivotal moment in their lives. I would be forever grateful to them. To all of them actually- Nick, Pen, Jules, Gronk....Speaking of which I-

"where do you want this puttin' Amelia?" Chase asked peeking his Hazel eyes over the top of the box he was carrying. "oh!" I giggled at him, "thank you, just in the guest room please" I blushed. "you didn't have to bring that in." I said, following him through to the second bedroom. "but thank you" I added. "no sweat" he sighed placing it down underneath the window. "I was walking to my place and saw you struggling with the other stuff. Figured I'd give you a hand. A-as long as you don't mind" he added. I shook my head and smiled. "I appreciate it" I replied, placing a second box beside it. "I should really be unpacking this lot, but priorities and all that" I laughed gesturing to the pizza box and Magic Mike Blu ray on the cardboard box I was using as a coffee table. "ah, I see" he chuckled a little. "well, uh, if you ever need a hand with any unpacking or...or if you ever wanna be shown around Boston" he said, scratching his beard shyly. "knock knock..." a voice made us both jump. We turned to the open doorway to my apartment and found Rob leaning against the door frame with a smile on his face. 

"oh hi" I beamed a smile at him, totally shocked that he was here right now. "I wasn't expecting you to be here today" I giggled as I turned to face him. He briefly glanced at Chase but then fixed his gorgeous brown eyes onto me as he walked into the room and towards me. "I was just passing. Thought I'd stop by and bring you your house warming gift" he grinned, bending down to press a kiss to my cheek and I melted as he wrapped his massive arms around me. 

"um, I-I'll just be going to my place right now...." I heard Chase nervously ramble before side stepping around us in the middle of the room. "yes, Oh but thank you for the offer Chase! I'll see you in the hallway soon!" I waved a little at him as he didn't stick around to chat much more. 

"who is that guy?" Rob asked once Chase had disappeared. "oh he's my neighbour. Lives two doors down I think" I frowned a little. I couldn't really remember which apartment he lived in. "uh huh, as long as he stays at his own place then we're good" he mumbled making me giggle. "he was just being friendly" I said, shrugging it off- and my blushing at his apparent possessiveness. "yeah sure he was" Rob muttered under is breath, but I chose not to respond, but smile to myself. 

"so, you mentioned a gift?" I asked, wanting to change the subject and well, because I love a present. Rob laughed loudly at me, but then turned to my still open door and picked up the box sitting in the hall and brought it back in. "what the hell is it?!" I laughed, eyeing up the box. "well you kinda have to open it to find out" he teased me. I glanced at him and pulled a face before rushing at the box and ripping off the sticky tape to get inside it. 

Once the box was opened and I looked inside, I burst out laughing. "I-I know it's not like a traditional house warming thing, but- given the time of year, and I know how much you like Christmas-"

"I love it!" I burst out, "thank you so much!" I beamed, practically leaping at him for a hug. "you're welcome Sweetie" he said into my hair as he held me tight. 

After a few moments I turned to look up at him, "are you going to stay and help me dress it?" I asked hopefully. His big brown eyes sparkled down at me and he smiled, "I'd love to" 

..............

"it looks perfect" I said, standing back to admire our handy work. "it's just the right size too." Rob added as he joined me in admiring the Christmas tree he had bought me and decorated together. "oh, but we missed out one last thing" he said, then leaning down into the box and rummaging around for something. "ahh" I cooed once he stood back up holding up a little angel that he got for the top of the tree. "here..." he gestured towards him, so I timidly walked over and within a second he'd wrapped his arms around my thighs, picking me up so I could reach the top of the tree. I took the little angel and placed it onto the top branch. "now it's perfect" he said softly as we took a moment there and then to take it all in. 

Once he slowly lowered me back to the ground, his large hands moved up to my waist and he pulled me up close to his body. "thank you for doing this for me." I said with a blush. He smiled down at me and shook his head. "was all my pleasure." he said in almost a whisper as his eyes glanced down to my lips. His right hand left my hip as he brought it up carefully to my cheek, brushing his thumb over my skin. "this is gonna sound crazy- and way too soon to be doin this, but I just don't care" he started, making my stomach flutter. "but, uh, I was- I wanted to ask you if you'd wanna spend Christmas with me?" he asked. "ah, but- you're gonna be hanging with Pen and Jules right? It's okay. I shoulda known that. Way to go Gronk..." he rambled to himself, looking up to the ceiling in embarrassment. About to pull away from me, but I grabbed a hold of his shirt and pulled him to look at me. "I aren't spending it with them." I shook my head. His eyes went wide and he swallowed hard. "I was actually spending it here. They need some space before baby comes." I shrugged. "I was gonna lock myself up in here, bang some Christmas movies on the tv and pig out on festive food in my pyjamas" I giggled, blushing as I admitted my plans to him. He laughed at my idea but squeezed my hips in his grasp "that actually sounds better than anything" he nodded with a laugh. "you're welcome to stop by..." I offered, feeling beyond vulnerable, expecting to be turned down. "I-if you're in town..." I added, "I mean, n-not on Christmas day, you'll be with your family...I...uh" God I made a right fool of myself sometimes. 

"Actually..." he said gently, tapping underneath my chin so I would look up at him. His bright eyes were smiling down at me and my flushed cheeks, "I'm going home to my mom's for Christmas Eve and Christmas day....I wanted you to maybe come with me...?" he suggested. I swallowed thickly and stared back at him blankly for a moment or two. "uh, um..." I floundered, my stupid brain failing to create words, "I would love that, thank you" I managed to stammer out, sending him a wide smile too. Which seemed to relax him as I felt his grasp on my hips soften a little. "that's awesome" he grinned back at me, "and when we get back..." he added, running his hands up the length of my back, "we can hang out here, or at my place, and do your little movie-Pj-snackage thing" he smiled, before leaning down to capture my lips in his. 

I was really beginning to realise what Penny meant about Boston being the start of her forever. I had a feeling it was going to be mine, too.