Moving was stressful. Managing a crisis and robbery was stressful. Training a surprise apprentice was stressful. Dating two people was stressful. And managing it all at once? Yeah, that was stressful. Add in the nerves of moving in with those two people meant Thistle was a cauldron ready to boil over. So, she had never been more thankful for the pack.
When she had sent out the message she had hoped for two, maybe three people to show up at best. Not the half dozen who crowded the small space. And apparently there were just as many helping Melody. She knew Titus and Clay, but the rest of them were strangers. Only there because she was a part of their pack. It added an extra level of emotion on an already emotional day. She made sure there was the best pizza and drinks for them at Archer's place as thanks. Family took care of family.
The work was done by early evening. The pizza was devoured, and all spare drinks were given out. For the first time Thistle's new home was quiet. The apartment was still a tomb of drab modern style. But Thistle and Melody had planned to combat that. Colorful blankets already adorned the couches and schemes were in the works. Soon they would claim the entire place.
Thistle was ready to kick up her feet and relax. She didn't even have to cook. Archer was handling that. His moving-in gift. Living with your partners had some serious benefits. But Melody wasn't letting Thistle relax. She yanked the tired fox off the couch and into the bedroom. Apparently living with your partners also had some downsides.
But it wasn't the steamy sex that Thistle had figured Melody was after. No, it was a matching pair of pink pajamas. Pink spaghetti strap crop tops with shorts. Adorable and possibly perfect for adjusting to the warmth of three bodies in a bed at once.
"I was thinking it would be cute if we matched. At least for tonight." Melody explained looking rather less confident in herself than normal.
Thistle could fix that. Pulling her in with an arm around her waist. She gave Melody a soft kiss, hoping it would banish all those worries.
"I think that sounds wonderful." She responded between gentle kisses. So, the pair put on the pajamas and returned to Archer. It wasn't fair for him to miss out on any of the fun on their first night.
The house smelt amazing as they returned to the kitchen. The sizzling of meat mixed with a soft rock playlist Archer had put on as he cooked. He turned from the stove to smile at them as they entered. Thistles couldn't help blushing a little as she noticed his eyes wander. He was her pervert.
"You both look stunning." He said, before turning back to the stove.
"You're cooking real food?" Melody asked jokingly as she clambered onto the island, sitting cross legged. Thistle for her part took a stool.
"Yes." Archer's tone had switched to guarded, sensing Melody's mood. But Melody turned to Thistle.
"Did you know he could cook? Because I didn't."
"He tried to cook me breakfast once, but he burned it. So, no." Thistle responded. She didn't need to mention all the successful times he had made her breakfast.
"Fuck both you." Archer spoke up. "Is this what the rest of my life will look like then?" He looked over his shoulder and the girls nodded. He just shook his head looking back at the food. "Guess I can live with it."
"What are you making?" Thistle asked, her hunger overriding her sass. She knew she would be devouring whatever he served.
"Burned mess it seems. Or if you're lucky it will be steak, shrimp, baked potatoes and asparagus. We'll have to see." He teased back. "But on a serious note, we've never talked allergies. Any I should know about? Because I'm all good."
"Same." Thistle added.
"I'm allergic to nuts." Melody spoke up.
Thistle gave her a skeptical look. "Are you or is that a lesbian joke?"
"Excuse me I considered myself bi these days. Not a lesbian. Seeing as I have a boyfriend." Melody faked being offended but her grin gave her away. "But yes, it totally was. I'm good with whatever."
"Rest of my life." Archer muttered to himself. He didn't turn fast enough to hide the smile though.
"So, I got a serious question too." Thistle spoke up, getting her partner's attention.
"How are you both handling this? Us being together? I can imagine it's a bit weirder for you two than me."
Melody looked at Archer before answering. "We were more worried about you at first."
"Me? Why?"
"Splitting time between us seemed... challenging. We were worried that it was a lot for you. We hoped moving in together would help you."
"But as for us we're great." Archer added. "We had a few talks to figure out how we work physically. We're not just dating each other for your sake, Thistle. I care for and love Melody as much as I care for and love you."
To emphasize that point he walked to the counter and gave Melody a long kiss on the top of her head. The snow leopard wiggled, happy for the attention. Thistle swore she could feel her heart swell at the sight. This worked, it really worked.
"That was adorable. And yeah, it was tough before but completely worth it. I was used to you both sharing me before we officially started dating anyway. So, I'm perfectly happy."
"There is one issue though..." Melody cut in. "I'm Mels and he's Archie but you don't have a pet name. Can't really do anything with Thistle though."
"No, you can't." Archer said, his smile showed evil intent. "And sweet names like honey just don't suit her."
"Don't I get a say in this?" Thistle asked, not liking the pair scheming together.
"No," Was the answer from both.
"How about one about how she always acts up?" Archer suggested. "Or comes charging in raging when angry."
"That's a great idea. Let's see Wildfire? No. Ember? Nah. Oh, I got it Spitfire!" Melody lit up as it clicked, wiggling once more. "That's perfect! Our little Spitfire!"
"I love it." Archer agreed. "Spitfire it is."
"Nooo." Thistle whined in protest. "I actually try to behave these days."
