Age 30...
Vincent is typing away on his computer, answering a couple of emails as his first sixth-period student comes strolling into the classroom. Vincent sighs for his lack of preparedness and letting the time slip away from his consciousness. Hell, he didn't even finish his lunch which Hayden graciously packed for him, so now it's just cast off to the edge of his desk. Bless his husband's heart though because even though he is a pretty decent cook, Hayden sucks at time management and meal prep usually consists of microwaving something frozen and throwing it into a container for Vincent to eat. Vincent appreciates the effort nonetheless.
See, Vincent was supposed to go have lunch with the rest of the teachers in their lounge, but Vincent is disappointed to admit that socializing is a lot harder when Hayden isn't around. Truthfully, he just doesn't care for it, and yes, he knows that's a problem that he has to work on with himself, but he just didn't feel like listening to careless teacher gossip when he could respond to the emails he's been delaying.
Vincent swiftly clears his lunchtime mess and gives a small smile in greeting to the incoming students. He strides over to the whiteboard to write not only the agenda for the class but what material they are going to need.
Vincent never thought he would be in this position, but he is one of the most favorable teachers in the school. Quite frankly, he doesn't care about the title, especially since he isn't doing anything but being himself when some people often found that to be off-putting growing up, but what isn't to like about him? He's handsome, a great educator, doesn't take shit from anyone, and has a mysterious air to him that all the students want to uncover.
Everyone found him to be pretty intimidating at first, but what nobody seemed to realize about Vincent is that if you are the first to engage in conversation, he will absolutely be open with you. Vincent is someone who can relate to everyoneâthe athletes with his experience playing football in high school and college, the studious learners with his love of reading and history of flawless grades, the second-generation immigrants and what his life looked like growing up, and anyone in between because of the variation of likes and personalities in his friend group.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Russell!" a football player shouts happily, his crew of football friends following and displaying amiable smiles to Vincent.
"It's Russell-Williams to you, Carson," Vincent says, rolling his eyes. He knows that the student is only forgetful of Vincent's changed last name, but at the same time, he says it simply because he wants to know more.
Carson shrugs, "Are you ever going to tell us about your secret wife?" A smirk twitches at his lips.
"Are you ever going to finish the readings like I ask you to?" Vincent bites back with a grin. Carson opens his mouth but has nothing to say, his friends snickering around him lightheartedly. "That's what I thought. Get back to your desk and open your book because I know that thing is collecting dust."
Carson mumbles something under his breath but smiles on his trek back to his desk. The class finds it equally hilarious and unique that Vincent doesn't filter himself whatsoever.
"Um...Mr. Russell-Williams?" a female voice timidly says from beside him.
Vincent looks down to find one of his shyer students, Sarah.
"What's up?"
"I-I wanted to talk to you a-about my grades," she says nervously.
Vincent takes a seat in his chair, looking at Sarah patiently and urging her to continue with a supportive hand gesture.
She takes a deep breath. "I have a band concert this week, a-and I know eligibility checks are happening soon, so I was wondering if...I could do anything to raise my grade?" She then begins to ramble. "I'm sorry. I know this is a lot to ask, but I'd be willing to do absolutely anything." She then, in a meek voice, adds, "Please, Mr. Russell-Williams."
"Hm, let me take a look," Vincent replies, pulling up the spreadsheet of his class's grades on his computer. He swiftly changes it to the correct period and easily spots her name on the list.
Sarah Acton: Overall grade â 66.4.
She's four points away from passing, and although that's honestly a lot of points to just give to a student on a limb, it's also a lot to ask her for a new extra credit assignment when he knows how hard she is trying.
Vincent always offers tutoring before and after school for any student who might need it. Most students don't take advantage of the opportunity, but without a doubt, Sarah is the person he sees most often in his extra lessons. He would be cruel to just let her suffer when it seems as though her dyslexia is already giving her enough crap.
"Don't worry about it," Vincent finally speaks. "I'll just bump it up for you."
Sarah looks at him in shock. "W-What? A-Are you sure? I mean, I-I canâ"
"What instrument do you play?" Vincent asks curiously, cutting her off.
"Um...flute."
"Well," Vincent smiles. "Go kill it at your concert. I'm not going to punish you when you are already giving your best effort."
Sarah's shoulders drop in relief and she looks close to tears. "Thank you so much, Mr. Russell-Williams."
"Don't mention it," he grins, politely shooing the girl away from his desk so he can begin class. The bell rings as if reading Vincent's thoughts. "Listen up, everyone!"
The class clown still has his back turned to Vincent and is busy making a cluster of students laugh.
"Elijah, how about we discuss ways to prank Ms. Archer again at another time?"
The boy pulls a shocked face.
"Yeah, you're funny if you think I don't know it's you," Vincent chuckles. "But then again, you didn't hear that from me."
Elijah laughs but turns around in his chair. All of Elijah's comrades focus as well with little smiles on their faces at how cool their teacher is. Now that the class is completely silent, Vincent can finally begin his lecture and discussion about the text.
"Since I know about half of you didn't read the measly two pages I assigned, I'll leave this question up for volunteers while the rest of you skim through the pages and act like you know what we are talking about," Vincent grins. "Do we know what the text is about? What it conveys? Is any particular feeling or emphasis put on some words but not others? I want to hear some thoughts about this because it will make writing your first literary analysis that much easier if we work together to uncover more information. Really, just say anything that comes to mind about what you read. There are no wrong answers."
A couple of hands in the classroom shoot up, excited to share their thoughts and knowledge. Vincent's smile grows wider at their passion.
"Kate, go ahead," Vincent nods.
The proud student council member has no problem projecting her voice and sharing her thoughts.
Vincent had informed the students of his expectations when they first arrived in his class so he's happy to know that his high value of respect in his class is followed. Nobody interrupts, talks over, or mocks the girl for what she has to say. That makes it so much easier for Vincent to keep calling on students to take their shot at decoding the text. As a matter of fact, more and more kids raise their hands as they gain more confidence from the open environment, facilitated by none other than Vincent Russell-Williams.
When Vincent is in the middle of explaining the proper format for writing analytical paragraphs, a sudden surprise stops him dead in his tracks.
The door to his classroom flies open, startling half the class. In comes a well-dressed man whose face is covered as a result of the stack of white boxes he is carrying, but Vincent certainly doesn't miss the glimpse of fluffy brunette hair and the glinting ring on his finger.
"Surprise!" Hayden announces, practically throwing the stack of whatever he is carrying on Vincent's desk and he places his hands on his hips triumphantly.
"Um, do we know you?" One of the students says in confusion.
"Do you know me?" Hayden repeats back a little snobbishly before he bursts out laughing.
When Hayden realizes that nobody is laughing with him, he straightens up and soothes down his clothing.
"Shit, y'all really don't know me."
Hayden turns to Vincent accusingly who only shrugs innocently with a little smile tainting his lips.
Hayden then looks around and realizes that yeah, Vincent doesn't have a single personal item decorating his walls. Not only that, but Hayden takes a glance at his husband's computer desktop and realizes that the background photo is a logo of Leo's football team and certainly not one of those black-and-white family photos that every teacher has.
"Anyways," Hayden laughs nervously before enthusiastically saying, "I heard it was someone's birthday today!"
Vincent's students stare at the animated stranger with bewilderment and mild concern.
Vincent also raises an eyebrow because he would know in advance if it was someone's birthday.
"See, I was hoping this would work out and one of y'all would raise your hand instead of us just looking at each other awkwardly," Hayden announces. "Is it really not anyone's birthday today?"
The class shakes their heads in a comically slow fashion.
"Oh, who cares?" Hayden chimes, laughing to himself. He grabs one of the white boxes and opens the lid, finally revealing that there are cupcakes on the inside. "Free cupcakes for everyone," Hayden beams, practically skipping around the class as he plants cupcakes on the students's papers.
"Um...Mr. Russell-Williams?" a student calls out.
"Yes?" Vincent answers, watching Hayden with amusement but trying not to show it. His husband is totally stealing his thunder and eating away at his class time, but he can't find it in him to stop the man.
"Should we call security?"
Hayden gasps with offense. "Do I look that threatening?! I even ironed my clothes today!"
Nobody touches their cupcake for the slight chance that it might be poisoned by the crazed man standing in the middle of their classroom.
"Vincent Arden Russell-Williams, fix this," Hayden demands, strolling over to his husband and angrily but caringly handing him a cupcake as he is leaning against his desk.
Meanwhile, Vincent's students are laughing at the use of his government name. Vincent rolls his eyes with a little chuckle, but takes a bite out of his cupcake, finally showing the students that they can follow and have the delicious treat.
"Vinny, tell them who I am," Hayden huffs.
"I'm good," Vincent smirks with a shrug.
Hayden slaps at Vincent's thigh lightly and takes his cupcake away as a display of annoyance for Vincent's refusal to cooperate. Vincent sighs as his students laugh again at how surprising it is to see their teacher interact with the mysterious man and how he can be okay with it.
"Does someone wanna go get security?" Vincent offers, looking at Hayden with a teasing smile.
A student stands up from his seat but Hayden glares at him.
"Sit your ass down," the brunette commands, causing the student to anxiously take his seat.
"Hayden, you can't say that," Vincent laughs, sending the boy a look of apology.
"Tell them who I am, Vinny."
"Nope."
"Do it now before I tell your class something embarrassing about you."
Vincent sighs and mumbles something under his breath.
"Louder," Hayden demands, snapping his fingers.
"Class...this is my husband," Vincent grumbles.
The revelation is shocking, to say the least, but the students don't get to dwell on it because Hayden pulls them out of their thoughts.
"That's right, you ugly bitches," he says haughtily and crosses his arms, causing Vincent to pinch the bridge of his nose. "Stop ogling my man. He isn't single. And yes, I'm talking to you in the corner, girly."
Sure enough, the small blonde girl in the corner shrinks into her seat, her cheeks set ablaze.
"Hayden, you are literally going to get me fired," Vincent says. "You can't say that to eighth graders."
"They'll survive; They've heard worse. Iâ"
"Husband?" Carson questions, finally getting over his shock.
"Shocking, I know," Vincent chuckles, before pointing a thumb at Hayden. "Hey, this guy played football too. He knows a lot more than me about what makes a good offensive play."
"Oh yeah," Hayden smiles. "And, if any of your parents ever need a personal trainer, you can tell them about moi." He goes around the class and hands a select few students his business card.
"I know you are not promoting yourself in my class," Vincent chuckles, rolling his eyes.
"Gotta do what you gotta do," Hayden winks, strolling over to Vincent's desk and shamelessly sitting on top of it.
"Wait, Mr. Russell-Williams, you're gay?" another student blurts out.
"You got this one," Hayden laughs, tapping Vincent's hip encouragingly.
Vincent shortly says, "No, I just have a husband. Moving on."
"Butâ"
"Moving on," Vincent says again, knowing that just because he has a husband, it shouldn't change what his students think about him nor should it be a topic of discussion. He turns to his husband and says, "Thanks for the cupcakes, but you really gotta get out of here so I can continue class."
"What?! I'm just here to watch," Hayden explains brightly before strolling over to sit in Vincent's chair. "It'll be like I'm not even here. Besides, half of your students find this stuff boring anyway."
When some children nod their heads, Vincent scowls, "Don't agree with him. As I was saying before..."
Vincent resumes his lesson although his class's focus has shifted somewhat to Vincent's husband, who kicks his feet up on the desk and looks dreamily at Vincent in his element. It's only when Vincent begins talking about a book that he made Hayden read that the brunette perks up.
"How does this line impact theâ"
"Oh, Vinny, I know the answer to this one. Pick me!" Hayden exclaims, waving his hand around in the air.
"Hayden, shut up," Vincent commands, causing the class to laugh.
"Oh, come on," Hayden groans. "Loosen up, Vinny."
"Are you calling me uptight?" Vincent questions, completely turning to his husband and raising an eyebrow.
"Maybeeeeee," Hayden says slyly.
"Alright then." Vincent marches over to his husband, pulls him up from his desk chair, and shoves him toward the front of the class. "You go teach."
"Fine by me," Hayden shrugs before clapping. "Who has gossip they want to share? Come on, I know something is going on in those lives of yours."
"Hayden, this isn't what I meant," Vincent sighs.
Nevertheless, the students are looking at each other with amused smiles. Someone from Carson's football crew timidly raises his hand.
"Like sports drama or...girl drama?" he asks.
"I'm listening either way," Hayden says excitedly. "Vinny, go fetch the class a few bags of popcorn. Now this is what class should entail."
Vincent rolls his eyes but does what his husband says as he leaves the class and snatches a few bags of popcorn from the teacher's lounge. Meanwhile, Hayden happily entertains the students, loving how much fun it is to interact with the eighth graders.
And, for the select few students who were close-minded or not accepting of Mr. Russell-Williams's relationship, Hayden instantly wins them over with his upbeat personality and witty jokes.
When Vincent returns, he easily distributes the popcorn amongst the students who are laughing away. Vincent knows that his students are going to be so behind if he doesn't stop Hayden, but he also thinks that it's nice to give them a break every once in a while.
Vincent sits at his computer and continues answering emails with a little smile on his face as his husband takes over his class for the rest of the day.
âââ§âââââââ§ââ
"Happy birthday, you two!" Hayden exclaims, running toward the twins the second he enters Vincent's parents' house.
"Brace for impact," Valerie whispers to Vance, causing the boy to laugh.
Sure enough, Hayden practically flings himself at Vincent's siblings, but the two embrace him back just as tightly.
"Officially eighteen," Hayden chirps. "You two are growing up so fast." Hayden sniffles dramatically.
"Hayden, how is it that you are always the most emotional person in the room?" Valerie teases.
"Shut up," Hayden groans, hugging them tighter to his chest. The action causes Vincent to smile fondly.
"I love you," Vance admits shyly into Hayden's chest.
Hayden truly has done so much for the twins, even before he and Vincent were officially together. Not only that, but the simple expression of affection was so uncommon from their parents growing up that when Hayden started saying it to the twins, they weren't used to it and didn't know what to think. Nonetheless, now that Hayden has been in their lives for such a long time and is so open with his feelings, little declarations of love and affection are normal between them.
"I love you tooâboth of you...so much," Hayden smiles, pecking the top of both of their heads.
Hayden is distracted by the soft moment when Ana finally walks out from the hallway. Hayden's arms unwind from the twins awkwardly as he stumbles away from them as if being caught in some sort of shameful act.
"S-Sorry," Hayden stammers self-consciously, still not really knowing where he stands with Vincent's mother.
Vincent comes up from behind him, soothing a hand up his back. He then leans close and whispers, "Don't apologize for being yourself. My mother can learn to get used to it."
Hayden nods, sighing in relief. Vincent kisses his cheek before making his way further into the kitchen to drop Vance and Valerie's birthday presents on the dining room table.
"Oh, do you guys already have a cake made?" Hayden questions, but it's more directed toward Ana than the twins. "If not, I can make one for you real quick."
"I already bought one," Ana says dryly.
Vincent shoots her a glare from across the room.
Ana sighs, knowing that she has to be better. If she wants her son back, she has to be willing to invite Hayden into her life; that's the deal.
"M-Maybe you can help me with the rest of dinner, though," Ana offers, not managing to show him a smile but her words are a clear sign of change.
"Okay," Hayden grins, waltzing into the kitchen to help Ana in any way that he can.
Kane finally makes his appearance. The smile lines on his face are deeper, his once deep set eye bags are entirely gone, and when he makes his way around the roomâa kiss on Ana's cheek, a hug for Valerie, and a pat on the back for VanceâVincent sees that things are clearly getting better in his family. Maybe he should feel a little envious for not having this when he was growing up, but he couldn't be any happier.
Kane walks over to Hayden and places a hand on his shoulder, peeking down to get a look at what he is chopping up.
"Hey there, Smiley," Kane says, catching Hayden's attention. "How are you?"
"I'm good, thanks for asking," Hayden chuckles, loving that he and his father-in-law have been talking back and forth more than ever recently. Then he remembers something. "Oh, crap. Vinny!" he calls out over his shoulder. "Can you go get those cookies I made from the car?!"
Before Vincent can reply, Kane says, "I'll get them for you. Where are your keys?"
"On the table," Hayden smiles.
"Wait..." Kane says, a grin growing on his face. "Are they the amazing strawberry cheesecake ones?"
Hayden looks over his shoulder with a smug expression. He then sassily says, "Like you even have to ask."
"Yes!" Kane cheers, his hand curled into a fist and shooting across the front of his body as a gesture of excitement. He then hastily grabs the car keys and bolts out of the door.
Vincent raises an eyebrow. He doesn't think he has ever seen his dad display that much emotion.
Vincent looks over to the kitchen to check on his husband, and despite Ana's weird comments or disapproval of Hayden's ingredient prep, Hayden is in his own little daydreaming world with a sickly sweet smile plastered on his lips. All the brunette wanted was a chance to feel included in the Russell family. Although the circumstances aren't the greatest, it's still progress.
Vincent then joins Valerie and Vance on the couch, trying to sit between them and ultimately failing. Valerie just looks up at him with her signature defiant smile.
"I will sit on you," Vincent says shortly.
"No, you won't."
"Don't misunderstand," Vance chuckles. "He will. I know from personal experience."
"Ugh, Vance, I thought we were done letting this doofus boss us around," Valerie remarks.
"I mean, yeah..." Vance shrugs guilty, causing Vincent to look at him with an unimpressed expression. "But he buys us lunch sometimes. You know...free food?"
"Touché," Valerie laughs, finally scooting over.
"Glad to know you guys only want me for my money," Vincent says, rolling his eyes and finally taking a seat.
"No, we want you so that you can bring Hayden around too," Valerie admits, looking careless as she picks at her nails. "Right, Vance?"
"Mhm," he says automatically before catching Vincent's accusatory stare. "I-I mean nooooo, of course not."
"You two are a couple of shitheads," Vincent laughs.
"Guess who the OG is?" Valerie smirks.
"Vance, do me a favor and go get some duct tape," Vincent commands.
Before Vance gets to respond, Kane comes flying back through the front door, half a cookie hanging out of his mouth. He holds the container out to his three children, who each take one appreciatively. Kane then says, "Son, your husband definitely knows what he is doing. Handsome, funny, and can bake?"
"Yeah, I got it by now. Everyone likes Hayden more than me," Vincent mutters playfully.
"Glad we are on the same page," Kane winks before waltzing away to the kitchen.
Vincent rolls his eyes again before saying, "Do you guys have any plans for next year?"
"Hmm..." Valerie begins. "I think I want to go to an in-state university, but I'm not quite sure where yet."
That statement alone is enough to prove that change is happening in the household. Valerie always claimed that she would want to get as far away from their parents as soon as possible, but judging by what Vincent has heard from both parties and a couple of pictures where Ana and Valerie are embracing with genuine smiles, the Russell household has officially turned over a new leaf.
"What about you Vance?" Vincent asks, nudging his shoulder supportively.
"Um..." he looks away with shame.
"What is it?" Vincent asks patiently.
"I-I don't think I want to go," Vance confesses. After a few seconds of silence, he looks up to find that Vincent's expression remains unchanged.
"Then don't go," Vincent shrugs.
Ana just so happens to hear their conversation and strides to the living room, leaving Hayden in charge of the kitchen.
"Vincent, what are you saying?" Ana says in shock.
He looks up at his mom with an assuring smile before addressing Vance. "Why don't you want to go?"
Vance looks at his mother nervously. Vincent only nods his head supportively as if telling him that there is nothing to be afraid of.
"I want to be done with school for good," he explains. "And I know it's naive of me to think that the real world is going to be any easier, but I just can't do academics anymore. School is not for me, and I just can't imagine doing it for a minimum of four years. Not only that, but I can't imagine putting myself out there like that. You guys know how much I have struggled with speaking, ever since I was younger, but I don't think I'm s-strong enough to start from square one...and I'm sorry. I t-think I j-just need my own t-time to figure things out and h-hopefully come o-out of m-my s-shell. Iâ"
"Vance, take a breather," Vincent whispers, pulling his younger brother's head into his chest as Valerie reaches over and grabs his hand. Even Ana begins to soothe Vance by carding her fingers through his hair.
"I can't d-do it," Vance says brokenly.
"After hearing all that, Mom, would you still force him to go?" Vincent proposes. "To study what you want him to?"
Ana sighs deeply.
"Vance, there are so many more options than just going to college," Vincent begins. "It isn't for everyone, not to mention the financial burden that it puts on a lot of people. You could apply for numerous jobs that don't require diplomas. You could even try trade school if you wanted to. Not only that, but this decision isn't permanent. Maybe you take a gap year and then decide you want to go; maybe even five years in the future, or ten years, hell, you might never want to go. But Vance, there is so much more to life than attending college. Do what you need to do that will lift this immense amount of pressure that you put on yourself."
"Vance..." Ana then says softly. "Do what...makes you happy."
All three of her children's heads snap up to look at her with surprise.
Ana feels ashamed that such a statement like that would warrant shock, but how could it not? She's been so obsessed with her own life and what her children's success could do for her that she realized she was being an awful mother.
Truthfully, it does still pain her to see her children not have guaranteed wealth, but Ana won't stop changing until she is the best version of herself. She is leaving all of her preconceived notions about how to properly raise a child in the past because that's what her kids deserve and what they need the most right now.
"See, there's nothing to worry about, now is there?" Vincent chuckles, lifting up his brother's head.
Vance shakes his head with a shy smile.
"You'll figure it out," Vincent winks.
All of a sudden, Hayden hisses from the kitchen. A pan clatters onto the counter in an alarming fashion and Hayden's face scrunches up in pain. He throws his oven mitt off, exposing the heated red line on his wrist from accidentally touching the oven rack.
Vincent jumps up from the couch to quickly aid his husband.
"Here, it's okay, Hay," Vincent soothes carefully, running some cold tap water and grabbing Hayden's elbow. "This should help."
Hayden's deep grimace then softens into relief as the chilling current of water soothes the sting. His head drops to Vincent's shoulder.
"Hayden, how did you absolutely destroy the food in a matter of minutes?" Vincent laughs, looking inside of the pan that was supposed to be a well-cooked casserole.
"I was watching you," he admits softly, placing a kiss on his shoulder. "How you care for your family is such a beautiful thing. You always say that I'm going to be an amazing father, but I don't think you realize that you are too. And then, yeah...I was trying to look at you as I grabbed the burnt food and here we are."
"Here we fucking are," Vincent repeats in amusement, pecking Hayden's mouth. "Does your wrist feel better?"
"Mhm, thanks for jumping to my rescue," Hayden beams.
"Anytimâ"
"What on earth?" Ana scoffs, examining the food that she has been working on for quite a while, even before the couple showed up. "Hayden, I only gave you one task and somehow you messed it up."
The corner of Hayden's lips tug into a frown as Ana mumbles angrily to herself, trying to salvage the food. Vincent pulls his husband close at seeing his face fall with the harsh criticism. Vincent places his lips on Hayden's temple as he eyes his mother, hoping that he doesn't have to remind her to fix her attitude when it comes to addressing his husband.
Hayden whispers, "I'm sorrâ"
"Nope, don't finish that statement," Vincent interjects. "It was only a mistake, you did nothing wrong."
Hayden nods with a little fond smile for his husband's uplifting words.
Ana's actions then slow as she finally realizes the heat of her words to her son-in-law. She sighs deeply, angry at herself for obsessing over something so silly.
"God... I'm sorry," Ana says, almost inaudibly. "I'm still having such a difficult time relinquishing control, and I don't mean to take it out on you. You're such a wonderful addition to our family and I don't know why I'm trying so hard to not like you. I'm so sorry, Hayden. Do you want me to patch up that gash for you? I can go get my fancy first aid kit?"
Hayden smiles, "If you don't mind."
Ana waves him off before running to the bedroom to grab the supplies she promised. She is back in no time, and although Hayden is more than old enough to patch up his little wound by himself, it feels nice that Ana is finally willing to look after him.
"Instead of you fussing over remaking the food," Vincent begins, talking to his mother. "How about we just order some pizza and sit around the couch?"
Ana opens her mouth but Vincent cuts her off.
"I know you have a rule about sitting at the table, but how about you make a tiny exception? I'll cover the cost entirely. Besides, it's Vance and Valerie's eighteenth birthday. Let them have a little fun."
Ana thinks for a second before saying, "Fine." She looks at Vincent with a half-smile before resuming her work on Hayden.
As Vincent is in the process of ordering online, Kane slyly says, "I think it's time we bust out the board games."
"Dad, come on," Valerie groans. "We aren't little kids anymore."
"You are never too old for board games," Kane bites back, heading to the storage closet.
"Oh! I love board games!" Hayden chimes.
Vincent laughs and Kane comes strolling back into the living room with options.
"No better way to spend your eighteenth birthday than playing board games," Kane grins.
"Maybe in the 1900s," Valerie mumbles under her breath, causing Vance to offer her a high five.
Nonetheless, the twins scoot closer to the coffee table as if there is a gravitational pull toward the idea of family fun. Both of their eyes light up, and when they glance over to Vincent, he knows he isn't going to escape a little fun competition with the people he loves the most. He quickly places the order for pizza before joining them.
When Kane, Vincent, Valerie, and Vance are busy trying to decide on a game, Hayden whines and says, "Don't start without me."
Ana laughs but resumes her work on Hayden's wrist, trying to patch him up a little faster so that he can participate. When Vincent's mother finishes, she leaves Hayden with a wide smile and lightly kisses the bandaged spot. Hayden hastily thanks her before he practically throws himself over his husband so he can get in on the action of choosing what board game is going to have the family screaming with joy.
Vincent wraps an arm around his husband and pulls him closer to the point where he is halfway on his lap, and Hayden lightly giggles at Vinny wanting him so close.
Eventually, they settle on a game and everyone picks out a little pawn to represent them. As they are about to start, Hayden looks at the kitchen and finds Ana cleaning up the space. She keeps glancing at the group with a shy smile.
Hayden says, "Ana, you should join us too."
Vincent's mother looks shocked by the offer.
"Don't be shy," he continues sweetly. "It'll be fun."
Her tense shoulders go slack as she places her rag and cleaning solution on the counter. She timidly approaches the group, but when she sees that all of them are encouraging her with their crinkling eyes and toothy smiles, she relaxes onto the carpet next to Kane. Kane kisses her cheek and holds a pawn up for his wife. She gratefully accepts.
As they get carried away by the classic fun, the night ends with more laughter and unity in the Russell household than there has been in a very long time.