Third Person POV
The kitchen was quieter than the rest of the house.
Keifer was here with Eces things . As she was going to spend some days here .
The laughter from the living room faded behind closed doors, replaced by the low hum of the refrigerator and the soft ticking of the wall clock. Angelo stood near the counter, arms folded, posture relaxed but alert. Keifer leaned against the opposite side, jaw tight, eyes fixed on the girl seated at the table.
Eces sat straight, hands folded neatly in front of her. Calm. Collected. Unbothered.
Angelo broke the silence first.
"You didn't come here by accident," he said evenly. "So let's start there."
Eces nodded once. "I didn't."
Keifer's gaze sharpened. "Why now?"
She lifted her eyes to meet his—steady, unflinching. "Because now was the safest time."
Angelo exchanged a brief look with Keifer. "Safest from what?"
Eces paused.
Not long enough to look nervous. Just long enough to choose her words carefully.
"From making things harder for Jay," she said.
Keifer exhaled through his nose. "You sent a letter."
Her fingers tightened briefly before relaxing again. "Yes."
Angelo's voice softened, but not his attention. "You knew it would reach her."
"Iknew it would reach someone who would protect her," Eces replied. "That was enough."
Keifer straightened. "What exactly were you expecting when you sent it?"
"For her to know she wasn't alone," Eces said quietly. "And for you to decide whether I was worth letting in."
That answer landed heavier than it sounded.
Angelo studied her carefully now. "And your past?"
Eces didn't look away—but something closed behind her eyes.
"I've lived in places where staying unnoticed was survival," she said. "Where asking questions got people hurt. Where being calm mattered more than being honest."
Keifer frowned. "That doesn't tell us much."
"It's not meant to," she replied gently.
Silence stretched between them.
Angelo finally spoke again. "You acted like you don't know Jay ?"
Eces hesitated.
Just a fraction of a second.
"Because she forgot me , she forgot the time she spent with me and I don't want her to remember me forcefully ," she said.
Keifer caught that immediately. "That wasn't the question."
She met his gaze again, voice steady. "I won't bring danger to Jay. Or to this house."
Angelo nodded slowly. "That's a promise?"
"Yes."
Keifer studied her like he was trying to see through walls. "And everything else you're not saying?"
Eces stood, smoothing her sleeves. "Those are things I carry so others don't have to."
Another silence.
This one different. Heavier. Respectful.
Angelo finally stepped back. "You're careful."
"I have to be," Eces said.
Keifer held her gaze for a long moment, then gave a short nod. "As long as you remember—you're not alone here."
Her expression softened. Just slightly.
"I know," she said.
As she left the kitchen, Angelo turned to Keifer. "She's hiding something big."
Keifer didn't disagree. His eyes followed the doorway.
"Yeah," he said quietly. "But whatever it is… she's protecting Jay with it."
And for now—
That was enough.
Eces' POV
The café felt alive the moment we stepped in.
Not loud—just full. Of voices layered with laughter, of comfort built over time. Jay walked slightly ahead of me, her shoulders relaxed, her smile easy. This was her place. Her people.
I followed quietly.
"These are my people," she said softly, like a promise.
I believed her.
When we reached the table, every conversation paused. Eyes lifted. Curious, open, not unkind.
Jay didn't hesitate.
"This is my sister," she said, resting her hand lightly on my arm. "Eces."
The name settled into the space.
A girl with bright energy stood first. "I'm Rakki. Jay's emotional support human."
I smiled. "That sounds like a full-time job."
She laughed instantly. I like her already.
Another girl leaned forward, gaze sharp but friendly. "Mica," she said. "I won't interrogate you. Yet."
"I appreciate the warning," I replied.
Ella—gentle eyes, calm smile—spoke next. "I'm Ella. Aries' girlfriend."
I nodded politely. "Nice to meet you."
Freya lifted her drink slightly. "Freya. You look like someone who doesn't panic."
"I don't," I said simply.
Honey laughed, warmth spilling from her like sunlight. "Honey. Percy's girlfriend. We protect Jay like it's instinct."
I glanced at Jay. "I can see why she's still standing."
Then I noticed her.
Grace.
She stood a little apart, cradling a small bundle against her chest. A baby—tiny, soft, wrapped in pastel fabric. Three months old, maybe less. Her breathing was slow, steady. Peaceful.
"This is Grace," Jay said gently. "And her daughter, Grazel."
I stepped closer instinctively, lowering my voice without thinking. "Hello, Grazel."
The baby stirred slightly, eyes fluttering open—dark, unfocused, curious in the way only infants are. She made a small sound, barely more than a breath.
Something in my chest softened.
"She's beautiful," I said quietly.
Grace smiled, tired but proud. She noticed her immediately.
I didn't touch Grazel—just hovered close enough for her to see me. She stared at my face for a moment, then relaxed again, fingers curling faintly.
Jay watched me, her thoughts warm and full. She's gentle. I knew she would be.
"I'm glad to meet all of you," I said, straightening slowly. "Thank you… for welcoming me."
Rakki leaned toward Jay and whispered loudly, "She's dangerous."
Jay smiled. "I know."
Laughter flowed easily after that.
As I stood there—Jay beside me, her friends smiling, Grace rocking Grazel softly—I felt something unfamiliar settle inside me.
Not tension.
Not caution.
Safety.
And even with all my secrets held carefully behind calm eyes, I knew this moment mattered.
Because for the first time since arriving—
I wasn't just Jay's sister.
I was allowed to be here.
Jay's POV
Mom, Tita Gema, Aries, Kuya Angelo, Eces, and I sat around the dining table. The atmosphere was calm, almost too calm.
"Aunt Jeanna… I wanted to ask something," Eces suddenly broke the silence.
Mom looked at her and smiled gently. "Sure, child?"
"Why don't you let Jay meet Dad?" she asked.
I froze mid-chew.
Aries glanced at her, surprised. Kuya Angelo stayed quiet, watching Eces calmly. Mom and Tita exchanged knowing looks, unsure of how to respond.
"I mean, you let me stay here for a few days, treated me nicely and politely," Eces continued. "I'm also his daughter… but you didn't stop her from meeting me. Why?" she corrected herself softly.
Mom sighed, then smiled again—patient and kind.
"Because something happened in the past," she said gently. "That's why I didn't let her meet your dad. But you are just a child. You are her sister. Why would I stop you from meeting her?"
Eces nodded slowly, accepting the answer.
"So… can I call you Mom?"
The air stilled.
Everyone froze.
Mom blinked, then smiled warmly. "Sure, anak."
"Welcome to the family," Tita Gema added softly.
"Thanks, Tita," Eces replied. Then she turned toward me, eyes bright and playful.
"So… when is my Ate going to become Mrs. Watson?"
My face burned instantly.
I felt the realization hit me hard—sharp and sudden.
"Y-you called me Ate?" I exclaimed in shock.
It was the first time she had ever called me that.
"That's what you are to me—Ate. Ate Jay," she said easily. "Now give me my answer. When is Kuya Keifer going to become my official bayaw?" she teased. ( Bayaw means husband of big sister — jiju, as we call in India )
Everyone laughed.
"Wedding?" Aries echoed, leaning back in his chair with a grin. "Wow. Straight to marriage, huh? No mercy."
"Told you she's dangerous," I muttered, still trying to cool my face.
Eces only smiled sweetly, hands folded on the table like she hadn't just dropped a bomb. "I'm just asking. It's an important topic."
Kuya Angelo cleared his throat, eyes flicking between Mom and me. "She's not wrong. You and Keifer have been together long enough."
I choked. "Kuya!"
Mom laughed softly. "Angelo, don't pressure her."
"I'm not pressuring," he said calmly. "I'm observing."
Tita Gema leaned forward, clearly enjoying this far too much. "So, Jay… have you and Keifer ever talked about it? Even casually?"
I hesitated.
The truth was—we had. Late nights, quiet moments, half-serious promises wrapped in jokes. No dates. No plans. Just someday.
"…A little," I admitted.
Eces's eyes lit up instantly. "See? Progress."
Aries raised a brow. "Wow. The kid is efficient."
"She's not a kid," Eces said politely, then added, "And efficiency saves time."
I snorted despite myself.
Mom smiled at me, not teasing, not pushing—just gentle. "You don't have to rush, anak. Marriage isn't a deadline. It's a decision."
I nodded, grateful.
"But," Mom continued, "when the time comes, I'd like it to be something meaningful. Simple. Family. No chaos."
Aries coughed. "Too late for that."
Tita Gema smacked his arm.
I laughed, finally relaxing. "Keifer would probably panic if we planned anything big."
"Confirmed," Kuya Angelo said dryly. "He panics when the rice cooker beeps."
Eces tilted her head, thoughtful. "Then something small suits him."
Everyone looked at her.
She shrugged. "Garden. Morning. Quiet music. People who matter."
It was said so simply—no drama, no excitement—just certainty.
And somehow, I could picture it.
Mom smiled softly. "That actually sounds lovely."
I looked down at my hands, heart feeling… full. "I think… if it happens, that's how I'd want it too."
Eces glanced at me, her smile gentle now, teasing gone. "Good. Then when it happens, I'll behave."
Aries laughed. "That's the biggest lie said today."
She looked at him calmly. "I didn't say I wouldn't protect anyone."
The room went quiet for half a second.
Then she smiled again—sweet, harmless.
And just like that, the moment passed.
But I felt it.
This girl—my sister—had walked into our lives carrying secrets, calm eyes, and an unsettling sense of certainty.
And somehow, she already felt… permanent.
Third Person POV
The house had settled into a gentle quiet after dinner. Voices faded into other rooms, dishes were done, and the warmth of shared laughter still lingered in the air.
Jay stood by the kitchen counter, rinsing a glass absentmindedly, when she felt a small presence beside her.
Eces.
She leaned against the counter, arms folded loosely, eyes calm—always observing, always thinking.
"You okay?" Jay asked softly, glancing at her.
Eces nodded. "Yeah. Just… absorbing."
Jay smiled. "You caused quite a scene today, you know."
Eces tilted her head. "I asked a question."
"You asked the question," Jay corrected, amused. "You nearly gave me a heart attack."
Eces looked at her then—really looked at her. Her gaze wasn't playful now, nor teasing. It was careful. Protective.
"I didn't mean to embarrass you," she said quietly. "I just wanted to understand where I fit."
That made Jay pause.
She turned fully toward her, drying her hands. "You already fit. You don't need to prove that."
Eces hesitated, fingers curling slightly. "I've never stayed anywhere long enough for that to be true."
Jay didn't ask why. Somehow, she knew better.
Instead, she reached out and gently flicked Eces's forehead. "Well, bad news for you. You're stuck with me now."
Eces blinked—then laughed. A soft sound, brief but real.
"I don't mind," she said. "You're… warm."
Jay raised a brow. "That's a weird compliment."
"I mean it in a good way," Eces replied quickly. "You feel safe."
Something in Jay's chest tightened.
She pulled Eces into a side hug, light and unforced. Eces stiffened for half a second—then relaxed, resting her forehead against Jay's shoulder.
Neither of them spoke.
They didn't need to.
In that quiet kitchen, with the lights dimmed and the world temporarily gentle, they weren't secrets or questions or complicated histories.
They were just two sisters—finding each other.
And for Eces, that was enough.
Midnight wrapped the house in silence.
Everyone was asleep—or so it seemed.
The window of Jay's room creaked ever so slightly as it slid open, slow and careful, practiced like a bad habit Keifer had never quite unlearned. He moved with the precision of someone who knew exactly which floorboard betrayed sound and which shadows kept secrets.
He stepped inside.
And froze.
Jay stood near her bed, back half-turned, clearly in the middle of changing. Not exposed—just caught in that vulnerable, private moment people never expect to share.
Time stalled.
Keifer's breath hitched. "—I—"
Jay yelped, spun around, and grabbed the nearest pillow, throwing it straight at his head.
"What the hell, Keifer?!"
He ducked instinctively, hands flying up. "I didn't know! I swear—window habit—bad timing—"
"TURN AROUND!"
He did. Immediately. Like his life depended on it.
"I said I was sorry!" he muttered, staring very intently at the wall. "You usually lock the door."
"I usually don't have idiots climbing through my window at midnight!"
There was shuffling behind him, hurried but controlled.
"Okay," Jay said sharply. "You can turn around now."
He did—slowly.
She was fully dressed, arms crossed, eyes blazing but cheeks faintly flushed. "You're unbelievable."
"You love me," he replied automatically.
She glared. "You're sleeping on the couch."
He smiled anyway. "Worth it."
She tried to stay mad. She really did. But there was something absurdly familiar about him standing there in the dim light, hair messy from the climb, eyes softer than his words.
"…Did anyone see you?" she asked.
"No," he said quietly. "Not even Eces."
That earned a pause.
Jay studied him. "You were careful."
"Always am," he replied. Then, softer, "Especially tonight."
The tension eased—not gone, just folded away.
Jay sighed, dropping onto the edge of the bed. "Next time, knock."
Keifer stepped closer, stopping just short of the space she hadn't invited him into. "Next time," he said, "I'll wait for permission."
Their eyes met.
Outside, the night remained undisturbed.
Inside, something fragile but steady held.
And no one else ever knew he'd been there.
The room was still again, the air oddly heavier.
Keifer didn't move right away.
Jay noticed.
"Why are you just standing there?" she asked, suspicious.
He tilted his head, eyes slow and unapologetic. "You're the one who told me to turn around."
"I told you to turn around earlier."
"Ah," he said lightly. "Different instructions."
She narrowed her eyes. "Keifer."
He took one step closer—still respectful, still just close enough to feel annoying. "Relax. I'm behaving."
"That smile says otherwise."
His lips curved wider. "Can't help it. You threw a pillow at me. Very intimidating."
"I will throw another."
He leaned closer, lowering his voice just enough to make it unfair. "You know, sneaking in through your window used to be risky. Now it's dangerous."
"Dangerous?" she scoffed. "For who?"
"For me," he said calmly. "Because you look at me like that and expect me to act normal."
Her breath caught. Just a little. Enough for him to notice.
"Oh," he added gently, eyes glinting, "don't pretend you didn't just freeze when you saw me."
"I did not freeze."
"You absolutely did."
She crossed her arms. "You're enjoying this way too much."
"Maybe," he admitted. "You blush very easily."
"I do not—"
He stopped right there, holding up a finger. "Careful. You're about to prove my point."
She turned away with a huff. "You're impossible."
"And yet," he said softly, amusement fading into something warmer, "you didn't tell me to leave."
Silence stretched—charged, alive.
Jay glanced back at him. "Don't get cocky."
He smiled, slow and knowing. "Too late."
Then, stepping back toward the window, he added casually, "Sleep well, Jay."
She stared at him. "That's it?"
He paused halfway out, looking over his shoulder. "What—were you expecting another pillow?"
"…Get out."
Keifer was already halfway out the window when Jay spoke again.
"You're really just leaving like that?"
He paused.
Slowly, he turned back, eyes unreadable now—less teasing, more intent. He stepped inside once more, closing the distance between them until Jay had to tilt her head to look at him.
"You're trouble," she said quietly.
He smiled. "You love it."
Before she could reply, he leaned in—no rush, no warning—and pressed a brief kiss to her lips. It wasn't deep or lingering, just warm and certain, like a promise sealed in the dark.
Jay froze.
Then he pulled back, forehead resting lightly against hers for half a second.
"Goodnight wifey and this kiss for the profanity you used earlier ," he murmured, voice softer than before.
Her hand was still clenched in his shirt when he stepped away.
Keifer slipped back through the window, gone just as silently as he had come.
Jay stood there, stunned, fingers brushing her lips.
"…Unbelievable," she whispered.
But this time, the smile stayed long after he disappeared into the night.
++++++++++++++
So here , Eces turned everyone attention towards Jayfer wedding ( a big Jayfer shipper you know )
Ready for Jayfer wedding era .... 💒 💍
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