April, 2045

„She seems okay,“ Lance said, sipping his beer.

He was sitting at Eve’s patio with Justin, Eric, Mateo and Sarah, enjoying the mild night. It was Eve’s birthday. She refused having a party, a she was still processing Josh’s sudden passing. But her friends showed up anyway.

„She’s not,“ Justin replied. 

„It has been just four months,“ Sarah said. „But I really think she’s doing great so far.“ 

„And how are you?“ Mateo wanted to know, looking at Justin. 

He forced a smile. 

„Honestly, I’m relieved I’m not going through this on my own. She helps me to make peace with the situation.“ 

„For me it feels like time traveling, when C was in coma. But this time I know for sure he won’t come back. And it sucks,“ Lance said. 

„Ya. It’s like a creepy deja vu,“ Eric added. 

„I am very grateful you take care for Eve so well, T. As you did back in those days,“ Mateo said next. 

There was silence for a moment. Everybody was thinking the same, but not daring speaking it out loud. 

„I still love her,“ Justin suddenly confessed. 

All eyes were on him. But nobody was surprised hearing him say that. 

„She will be yours. It just needs a little more time,“ Mateo finally responded. 

„Did you talk to her about it?“ Eric asked curiously. 

„That’s not necessary, honey. She knows,“ Mateo replied. 

„Of course she knows. We all do. But I still believe he needs to say it at some point,“ Eric responded. 

„She told me,“ Justin said next. 

Except Mateo and Sarah, everybody was truly surprised to hear that. 

„What exactly she told you?“ Eric wanted to know. 

„Two weeks ago we’ve been hanging out in front of the telly. Then she suddenly came closer and cuddled up into my arm. We sat their like this for a while without talking. When the movie finally ended, she said, that she still loves me.“ 

„And what happened then?“ Lance asked impatiently. 

„He kissed her forehead and told her, that he never stopped loving her,“ Sarah answered, already knowing the whole story from Eve. 

„She also said, that she wasn’t ready for more, yet,“ Justin added. „We both agreed to give ourselves more time to start all over again.“

„This is really nice,“ Lance said. 

„It really is.“ Mateo replied. 

„So? You’re okay, if we become a couple?“ Justin asked carefully. 

„No one here is truly surprised, man,“ Lance answered, giving him a naughty smile.

„It completely makes sense,“ Eric added. 

In the next moment Eve and Michael entered the patio, with some snacks and beverages. 

„We heard everything, jerks,“ Michael informed them. 

Justin glanced at Eve, feeling caught. She smiled at him and sat down next to him at a free chair.

„You see? All of them expected that,“ she teased. 

„Ya, you’ve been right,“ he replied, smiling back at her. 

July, 2045

In the next morning after Lisa’s birthday party, Eve woke up in Justin’s arm and smiled all over her face. Everything felt absolutely right. Gently she begun caressing his well-shaped naked chest. 

„Good morning, girlfriend,“ he murmured. 

Eve giggled. 

„This sounds so weird.“

„But that’s how things are now,“ he replied, before kissing the top of her head. 

She raised herself a little to see his face. 

„So, what now? I believe the kitchen is full of hungry kids.“

„What are you trying to say?“ 

„That you should go downstairs and explain to the offspring what’s going on, while making some coffee.“

„Me? This is your home, M. You’re responsible doing that.“ 

„That’s ridiculous. You are here everyday. And now you also stay over night. This is your home, as well.“

Justin gave her a concerned look. 

„Honestly… I’m a little scared about Jake’s and Lisa’s reaction.“

Eve gave him a calm smile and caressed his cheek. 

„Honey, Jake adores you. You’ve been always like a second dad to him. And Lizzy has no right messing with us in any kind, after what happened tonight.“

„What about Phin? You think he might be upset because of Jess?“ 

Eve frowned. 

You and Jess agreed parting ways five years ago. Why you think this could be a problem?“ 

„You’re right. He doesn’t know the whole story. Fortunately no one of them does.“

„So? You go and bring coffee?“ 

Justin shook his head. 

„Lets do this together.“

Eve rolled her eyes and sighed. 

„Fine.“

Both stood up in the next moment. Eve disappeared in the closet to put on fresh underwear and returned with some fresh clothes for Justin. 

„It feels weird,“ he said, as she gave him one of Josh’s t-shirts and sweat shorts. 

„Why? You wore his stuff thousand times before. No matter how hard he complained about it.“ 

Justin chuckled. 

„His complains were the best part.“ 

Eve was still smiling. 

„I know you loved annoying him.“ 

„Well, that’s what younger brothers do, right?“ 

Eve came closer and embraced his waist.

„I’ll make room for your stuff tonight.“

He kissed her forehead.

„Sounds like I’m moving in. Again.“