Chapter Text
"Vi! Powder! Hurry up, we're already behind schedule!"
You laugh and shove another suitcase into Sevika's arms so she can put it on top of the car.
"Sev, relax, we're doing fine. We're not in any rush."
"Easy for you to say, these kids listen to you."
You shrug. It's true, they've always been less rowdy near you. Sometimes they're a little much, but that's probably because you spoil them.
"Look, all I'm saying is you should relax, this trip isn't meant to be stressful. This so happens to be a small vacation for us, remember?"
"Yeah, I know. But... why'd we get the girls anyway? The boys would've been easier to deal with."
"Vander and Silco wanted the boys and girls to be in different cars. Besides, you would've gotten tired of Mylo SO damn fast."
"I just- You know how they feel about me."
"Sev, they knew you before we even started dating."
"I know... and I'm still..."
You put a hand on her arm as she tightens the restraints on the luggage. She's not looking at you, pretending to be more focused on the task at hand, but you know somewhere in there she's hurt. Eventually, Sevika finally decides to turn to face you.
"That can change that. We're going to be on the road with them for a while. You can get to know them, they can get to know you."
The girls, hell, kids never really got close to Sevika. She's not the softest-looking woman on the outside, you understand that, but you also know what she's really like. She rubs the back of her neck while looking up at the sky.
"I just don't know where to start with them."
"Are you willing to?"
"Of course."
"Then I can help, I promise. Now come on, we gotta get those lil menaces in the car."
She sighs as she follows you into the house. Just as she's about to shout for them you stop her.
"I got it, Sev. Kids! The car's ready!"
"Waitttt, I'm not done packing my stuffed animals!"
Sevika rolls her eyes and heads to the fridge to grab a water bottle. You smile and head over to Powder's room. There you see her trying to stuff an unneeded amount of toys into a bag as Vi watches fondly. Vi notices you and waves.
"Sorry, Powder needs some more time."
"I get it. Could you go help Sevika pack your bag in the back?"
Vi lets out an annoyed sigh. "Do I have to?"
"No, but it'd be nice... I'll have Powder finish up here."
"Alright, fine... hurry up, Powder! I don't wanna be alone with her too long."
You frown at that as Vi leaves. You know Sevika would be Vi's favorite aunt if she'd give it a chance. Powder tries sitting on her bag to get it closed.
"That won't work, believe me, I've tried."
"Well, I can't just leave them!"
"Powder... we're only going to be gone a couple of weeks-"
"I can't."
Powder gives you that little pouty face. You stop and think for a moment, you know how attached she is to her stuffed toys, but bringing them all along just wouldn't be optimal for the trip. That didn't matter to her though...
"Alright, move over."
You sit on the girl's suitcase and she quickly zips it up. She hugs you with a satisfied smile on her face.
"Thanks, auntie!"
"No problem, now let's go get this in the car."
Powder rolls her suitcase over to the car and you lock the house door behind you. Sevika sees Powder struggling to lift her suitcase and offers to help.
"Hey kid, I could help you with th-"
"Nah! I'm good."
Sevika makes eye contact with you as if to say "See?" You have to think of a way to get them to get closer. It's unfair. They like you but the second they see her, suddenly they change. Everyone gets in their seats, and you run over the checklist.
"Alright, clothes and bathroom essentials?"
Vi checks the bag. "Yeah, we got it."
"Toys and phones?"
Powder pulls out her 2DS. "Yep!"
"Babe, you have the duffle bag for your arm?"
Sevika simply nods. You scan over the list one last time.
"Alright, looks like we have everything... everything's secure up there?"
You poke at the ceiling of the car, referring to the luggage on top.
"Yeah, hun. It's secure, I triple-checked."
"Okay... I think we're ready to hit the road."
Sevika pulls out of the driveway and starts heading out of the apartment complex. You pull up the GPS, typing in the first stop, Buc-ee's. The kids all wanted to stop at one and Vander and Silco agreed since it's near the first hotel. After a couple of minutes Sevika decides to speak up. The sudden boom of her voice causes Powder to drop her 2DS.
"I need to know right NOW if anyone needs to use the bathroom. Won't be stopping once we get on the highway. Understood?"
Vi gives Sevika a stink face through the rearview mirror. "Okay, damn! No need to scream..."
Sevika sighs as Vi mumbles something under her breath. You put a reassuring hand on your girlfriend's shoulder as you turn a bit in your seat to face them.
"Just... don't project your voice as much, it's a small space."
"Yeah."
"Vi, that wasn't really cool."
"... sorry, I guess."
"Now, do you guys need to go? We'd prefer to just drive straight once we reach the highway."
Both girls shake their heads as Powder picks up her 2DS.
"Nope, I'm okay."
"Are-" Sevika takes a moment to try and lower her voice. "Are you sure, Powder?"
"Yeah, Hey Vi! Wanna watch me play Lego?"
"Ooooh hell yeah, which one?"
"It's the Star Wars saga."
"Hell yeah."
You shrug as you turn back around to face the road. The way Sevika looks almost defeated isn't lost on you. You grab Sevika's hand, she doesn't turn her head, trying to stay focused on driving, but she gives you a small squeeze and her gaze softens a bit. About thirty minutes on the highway someone lightly nudges your shoulder. You look into the side view mirror to see Powder without turning around.
"What's up?"
Powder slips her 2DS into her backpack pocket. She's squirming a bit and you realize pretty quickly what's going on. You look over at Sevika and she gives a quiet "I swear to God".
"Um... I uh... I need to go to the bathroom."
Sevika lets out an annoyed groan and lightly taps her head on the wheel.