Where Did We Go

Chapter Nine

Warnings: Angst, profanity

Word Count: 2118

Author's Note: I'm back from my little break! Thank you for letting me take a weekend off from posting, I'll make sure to make this weekend's posts extra good! Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter :)

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The sun was shining as you pulled up along the curb outside Carter and Marenna's house. Since Tyler was out at meetings and the two of them had somehow managed to get a coinciding day off, you had decided to spend the afternoon with them and your nephew. It was something that you were looking forward to, especially since your busy schedules didn't often allow for days like today.

Carter was already at the door as you walked up the front steps, leaning against the doorframe. He straightened up as you got closer.

"Y/N," he smiled. "I'm glad you were able to make it over today."

"Me too," you said, returning his smile. "It's been awhile since I've been able to come visit."

The sound of tiny footsteps running along wood floors became audible the moment that you stepped in the door. A moment later, a tiny figure wearing a brightly colored dinosaur shirt and jeans came around the corner, making a beeline straight for you.

"Auntie!"

Your legs were attacked by a small pair of arms the moment that he was close enough to do so, making you wobble a little bit. Once you were steady, you bent over and scooped Max up, ruffling his hair once he was comfortably in your arms.

"Somebody is happy to see you," Carter smiled as he closed the front door.

"I'm happy to see him too."

After giving Max a proper hug, you set him back down onto the floor. As soon as his legs were on the ground, he took off at a run towards the living room.

"How are you doing?" you asked, now pulling Carter into a hug.

"I'm doing alright. Work has been kicking my ass lately, but I'm getting through it."

"I'm proud of you, bud."

"Thanks."

Carter gave you a pat on the back as you pulled away from the hug. You quickly set your things by the door and followed him into the living room. Marenna was already in there, sitting on the couch and playing with a very giggly Max. She looked up when you entered the room.

"Y/N!" she smiled. "It's nice to see you again."

"You too!"

You walked around the couch so that you could give Marenna some form of half-hug, which was quickly interrupted by Max wiggling in between you two and demanding that he should get a hug too. Marenna gave him a quick talking to while you got comfortable on a different part of the couch.

"Do you need anything to drink?" Carter asked.

"Could I have a root beer, please?" you said.

"Not a vanilla Coke?"

"Do you actually have some?"

"Yes, because somebody demanded that we keep a box here," he laughed.

"Right," you laughed along with him. "Then one of those, please."

"Ren? Do you want anything?"

"I'm ok, but can you grab some juice for Max?"

"Juice!"

"Coming right up."

Max started to get off the couch so that he could run after his dad, but Marenna quickly caught him and pulled him back into her lap. He fought for a moment before dramatically flopping into her arms, finally realizing that it was a losing battle.