Modern Family 09

Five months left until final exams. Alex is laser-focused even more than usual. Her days are a rotation of advanced study sessions, practice tests, and occasionally letting Jake drag her off to breathe or to distract her in ways that are very counterproductive but absolutely irresistible.

Meanwhile, her mom's new role at her grandpa closet company is taking shape. She's brimming with ideas especially about a smart-closet concept that could track inventory, suggest outfits, and even adjust lighting to match color palettes.

But Claire's less confident about the tech side. Over dinner one evening, she offhandedly grumbles about finding a software engineer who gets it someone who isn't trying to upsell them bloated systems they don't need.

Alex perks up. "You know who'd be perfect for this? Jake."

"Jake? Like, your Jake?" Phil freezes with his fork halfway to his mouth.

"Yes, Dad. My Jake. He's brilliant with this stuff. He could build you a custom app and probably run circles around any overpriced consultant."

Claire arches an eyebrow. "Sweetie, I'm sure he's smart, but this is a big launch. We can't just-"

"He's serious," Alex insists. "He taught himself multiple coding languages, does freelance already, and he's the reason my math teacher calls me half a genius the other half is apparently 'boyfriend-fueled.' for Jennifer.."

Claire sighs, looking skeptical but also intrigued. "Alright, tell him to come by the office. We'll see what he's got."

[ Two days later ]

Jake walks into Pritchett's Closets & Blinds, laptop tucked under his arm, looking every bit the confident young shark. He meets Jay and Claire in one of the sleek conference rooms a place that still makes Alex a little nervous to this day.

Jay sizes him up with that classic squint, arms crossed. "So you're Alex's boyfriend. The one Claire says is some kind of computer whiz."

Jake gives a cool grin. "That's me, sir. Thanks for seeing me."

"Alright, impress me." Jay gestures to the whiteboard.

In no time, Jake's scribbling out flow diagrams, database structures, UX mockups for the smart closet app. He talks about how machine learning could track usage patterns and how modular software could scale all in plain language that shows he understands both tech and business, knowing how express complex ideas in simple terms.

When he finishes, Jay lets out a low whistle. "Huh. You're sharp. Most kids your age come in here selling big ideas with no clue how to pull them off."

Jake just shrugs. "I like building things that actually work."

"Okay, you're good," She says. "Too good to pay hourly. What's your rate?"

Jake shrugs. "Actually, I want shares."

"Shares?" Claire blinks.

"Percentage ownership. Tied to milestones. I'll take a smaller upfront payment, invest my sweat equity. If your tech closets blow up, I want in on the upside."

Jay studies him for a long beat then smirks. "You know, I kinda like you, kid. Got guts. But if I give you a piece, you screw it up, it comes outta your hide. Understood?"

Jake's grin widens. "Crystal clear."

"Alright. Legal team will draft you a contract, take your time to read it." Jay says, standing up and leaving.

[ Later that evening ]

Alex throws her arms around him, nearly knocking him into his desk chair.

"You actually got my grandpa to give you a piece of his company. Do you realize how impossible that is?"

Jake laughs, arms circling her waist. "Hey, your family's tough. But I'm tougher."

Alex shakes her head, beaming. "We're gonna take over the world, aren't we?"

"Starting with closets. Then who knows?" Jake presses a kiss to her temple.

She laughs, then melts into him, already picturing the future they're building brilliant. Exactly like them.

[ Two months later ]

Jake lounges on the Dunphys' couch, his laptop balanced on his knees, showing Claire the nearly finished smart closet app. The interface is sleek, responsive exactly what Claire envisioned.

"See, it auto-generates outfit suggestions based on weather, schedule, even color mood. Syncs to the closet hardware. And here, it tracks worn frequency for inventory suggestions." Jake explains.

Claire's eyes shine. "Well I'll be damned. This is going to make a killing at expos." She claps Jake on the shoulder. "You're a smart kid. Glad Alex convinced me to roped you into this. You ever need references down the line, you can count on us."

"Appreciate it. Just wait till the full demo next week." Jake smirks.

Meanwhile, upstairs, Alex is cross-legged on her bed, highlighters everywhere, muttering under her breath. Exams are three months out, and she's treating it like the apocalypse.

"Can't wait for this to be over so I can have a personality again. " She groans.

In her room, Haley is sprawled on her bed with her laptop, typing furiously. Her new project, a blog, mixing style tips, affordable hauls, and gossipy relationship columns. Her social media keep driving traffic, and she's already landed two sponsorship offers.

She walks out in the hallway and pokes her head into Alex's room with a teasing grin.

"You're studying. Shocker. Meanwhile, some of us are busy creating viral content that will totally pay for my brunches. Eventually."

Alex rolls her eyes but smiles. "Congrats on monetizing your questionable life choices."

"Hey!" Haley throws a pen at her.

Haley sits cross-legged on Alex's bed, twirling a strand of her hair, watching her younger sister highlight passages . The silence stretches for a minute, only broken by the scratch of Alex's pen.

"Oka.." Haley blurts finally, startling Alex. "I have something kinda insane to ask."

Alex lowers her pen, frowning. "What did you break this time?"

"Nothing!" Haley huffs, then bites her lip. Her eyes dart around before settling on Alex's. "But, um.. you're gonna think I'm crazy."

Alex sighs. "Just say it. I already think you're crazy."

"Okay. Look." Haley leans forward, lowering her voice. "You've been glowing. Seriously. All.. smug and satisfied. And I know it's Jake. You basically radiate every time after seeing him."

Alex's cheeks flush bright red. "Can we not-"

"No, listen!" Haley insists. "I've been single for so long, Alex. Like, embarrassingly long, almost a year. I'm lonely, desperate... and I kinda.. well-" She grimaces, cheeks pink. "I want to know what it's like. With him."

Alex's mouth drops open. "Excuse me?"

"Not like steal him! Just.. one night. Share. You keep saying how amazing he is. I trust you and honestly, you're the only person I'd ever trust with something this weird. It's like, a bucket list thing. A crazy sister favor."

Alex buries her face in her hands. "Oh my God, Haley."

"Come on. Think about it. I'm dying of thirst here. You wouldn't be doing me a favor you'd be saving my sanity." Haley tries a weak laugh. "I promise it's just one night. Then you get to have him all to yourself forever."

Alex stares at her, conflicted, chewing on her lip. "I.. don't even know how to react to that. It's beyond weird."

Haley shifts on the bed, eyes wide and pleading. "So.... will you at least think about it? For me?"

Alex just stares at her, jaw tight. "Haley, that's not a normal thing to ask. You're basically asking to sleep with my boyfriend."

"Yeah, well I said it was crazy! But you love me, right? Even when I'm a little messed up?" Haley winces.

Alex crosses her arms. "You are way past a little messed up."

"But you still love me." Haley gives her a hopeful, small smile.

Alex groans and flops back onto her pillow, covering her face. "This is insane. I don't share, Haley. I'm.. God, I'm already clingy enough as it is."

Haley pokes her leg. "I know. It's kinda cute, actually. The way you look at him like he's oxygen."

"That's because he is." Alex snaps, peeking through her fingers. "He's.. Jake's the first person who makes me feel like I'm not just existing. Like I actually matter."

Haley's smile softens. "See? That's why I asked you. Because you'd understand. Because you're the only person I trust to not judge me for wanting something, risky. And he's obviously.. amazing."

"You're my sister. I want you to be happy. Even if this is the dumbest, most twisted idea ever. I hate the thought of it. But I hate seeing you so sad even more." Alex lets out a long breath.

Haley blinks, then her voice drops. "So, you'd let me, just me and him? Not the three of us, nothing weird. Just one night, him giving me what I need."

Alex's eyes dart away, her stomach twisting. "Yeah, I got that, believe me. That it wouldn't be the three of us. I don't even want to think about that. But it has to be Jake's choice too. And if I ever feel weird about it, or if you try to turn it into something more, I swear, I'll end you."

Haley breaks into a teary laugh and lunges forward, hugging Alex tight. "Deal! Oh my God, I love you so much. You're literally the best sister ever."

Alex squeezes back, eyes squeezed shut. "Yeah, yeah. Just don't expect me not to be possessive, okay? Because I am. Very."

Haley pulls back with a watery grin. "It's kind of adorable how psycho you are about him."

"Shut up." Alex rolls her eyes and shoves her lightly.

They sit there in silence for a moment, heads bumping together, tangled up in sisterly love, jealousy, and fierce loyalty.

"I can't promise anything anyway. Jake's not a toy, Haley."

"I know, I know."

[ Some days later ]

Alex sits on Jake's bed in his studio, legs pulled up to her chest, picking at a loose thread on her jeans. She's been quiet for too long, and Jake finally sets down his laptop, leaning forward.

"Alright, you're officially freaking me out. What's going on?" He asks, searching her face.

Alex bites her lip, eyes darting away. "So.. Haley and I talked. About something."

Jake smirks faintly. "Usually when you start with that, it means someone's getting grounded."

"It's serious, Jake." Her voice drops, almost a whisper. "She, she asked for something. And I don't know how to feel about it."

Jake shifts, brow furrowing. "What did she ask for?"

Alex swallows hard. "She wants.. you. Just for one night. Nothing romantic, just sex, she wants it. Because she's lonely. And desperate. And I-" Her voice cracks a little. "I hate it. I hate the idea. But she's my sister. And she's so sad. Even with her new blog and all.."

Jake just stares at her for a long beat. Then he leans back, running a hand through his hair. "Wow. That's not what I expected you to say tonight."

"I know." Alex hugs her knees tighter. "You can say no. In fact, I want you to. But part of me also thinks if it's ever going to happen, I'd rather it be with you. Someone who won't hurt her. Someone I know she can trust. Not like her losers ex."

Jake gets up and kneels in front of her, hands on her legs. "Hey, look at me."

When she does, his voice is low, serious.

"You're it for me. Nobody comes close. Not your sister, not anyone. If this happens, it's for her, and only because you're somehow okay enough with it to even tell me. I need you to know that."

Alex's eyes well up. "I do. I know. It still makes me feel sick, but I want her to be happy too."

Jake nods slowly. "I won't pretend it's not weird. But if this is what you want, what she wants, and you're willing to let happen then yeah. I'll do it. But only if you promise me something."

"What?" Her voice is tiny.

"That afterward, it's you and me, like always. No weirdness. No guilt. No distance. You're still my girl, Alex. Only you."

She lets out a shaky laugh, eyes bright. "I promise. God, Jake, I love you so much."

He smiles, pulling her down into his arms. "Yeah? Enough to do something this crazy?"

"Apparently." She buries her face in his neck, voice muffled. "Just promise me she won't be more than a one-time curiosity. I couldn't take it otherwise."

"Promise," He says into her hair. "It'll be one night, and then it's back to just us. And maybe Haley stops looking so lost for a while."

Alex nods, clutching him tighter. "Okay. Then I guess it's settled."

[ The next evening ]

Alex paces around her room, phone in hand. She's already talk with Haley, who promised to handle it like a total grown-up, whatever that means. Jake is downstairs, drinking water and trying not to look too smug at scoring both Dunphy's sisters.

Down in the Dunphy living room, Haley waits by the kitchen island, nervously toying with a bracelet. She jumps when Jake walks in, then forces a little grin.

"Wow, you actually came." She says, voice light but eyes searching his.

"Yeah, well," Jake shrugs, sticking his hands in his pockets."your sister's scarier than you, believe it or not. Would've been a dead man if I bailed."

That makes Haley laugh, easing the tension. "God, that sounds right." She steps a bit closer, still uncertain. "So, no awkward speech? No big rules list?"

Jake gives her a small teasing smile. "Only rule is that this is it. One time. For you. Because she asked me to."

Haley's shoulders drop, relief mingled with something almost grateful. "Yeah. I get it. I just,I've been lonely, Jake. And hearing her all blissed out all the time-" she winces, "it kinda kills me."

"Hey." Jake lightly taps her chin, making her look at him. "You're not some consolation prize. You're Haley. Hot, annoying, reckless Haley. It's gonna be fine. No expectations past tonight, right?"

She nods, then smirks. "Right. And uh, don't tell me the same sweet crap you tell Alex. I'd puke."

Jake laughs under his breath. "Deal."

When Alex peeks down later, she finds them still standing there awkwardly, trading teasing insults, breaking the tension with dumb jokes and she actually feels a surprising rush of relief. They're being idiots, just like always. It almost looks normal.

Jake sees her and gives Alex a steady look, one that says I've got this. You're still mine. Alex nods back, heart twisting in a thousand ways.

Then she disappears upstairs, leaving them to figure it out in the safest, strangest way possible.

Jake pauses by the door, glancing back up the stairs where Alex disappeared. Then he turns to Haley with an assessing look.

"So. You're not the type to sit awkwardly on a couch for hours. Where do you wanna go?"

Haley perks up instantly, mischief lighting her eyes. "You mean like an actual date? Ooh, risky move."

Jake rolls his eyes but smirks. "Not a date. Think of it as, damage control with cocktails."

Haley laughs. "Okay. I know just the place."

Twenty minutes later, they're pulling up to a trendy rooftop bar downtown fairy lights strung everywhere, plants crawling up trellises, soft music floating through the summer air. It's crowded, fun, very much Haley's vibe.

Jake eyes the patio and shakes his head with a chuckle. "Figures this is your scene. Bet half the staff knows your name."

"Only half?" Haley teases, bumping her hip into his as they walk inside.

They find a spot at the bar, order overpriced mojitos, and Haley immediately starts telling him stories about awful exes, fashion disasters that went viral on her blog, even dumb things she did as a kid. Jake listens, genuinely entertained, smiling more than he expected.

"So wait." he interrupts at one point, grinning. "You're telling me you once did tequila shots at a family wedding just so you'd loosen up enough to dance?"

"Oh my god, yes." Haley cackles. "I puked behind a hedge, but also twerked with my aunt. Totally worth it."

Jake laughs, shaking his head.

Haley gives him a smug, pleased little shrug. Then her eyes soften, fingers toying with her glass.

"You know, I didn't expect to like you this much." She admits. "I thought you'd be some possessive, dumb jock who'd crush her spirit. But she's more Alex than ever. Still her, just.. happier."

Jake's smirk fades into something gentler. "That's the goal."

Later, they end up on one of the outdoor couches under the string lights. Haley's curled up with her feet under her, leaning a bit into Jake's shoulder. When they finally head back to the car, Haley loops her arm through his, giggling.

"I'm probably gonna be a little in love with you for, like, a week. Just so you know," she says dramatically.

Jake snorts. "You'll get over it."

They pull up outside Jake's studio a little before midnight, the city quiet around them. Haley kicks off her heels the second she steps out of the car, groaning dramatically.

"My feet are killing me. But worth it. That place was perfect."

Jake just smirks. "Come on. You look like you're one wrong step from face-planting."

Inside, the studio is dim, lit only by the glow of a single lamp over his desk.

Haley spins around, taking it all in, her bare feet padding on the rug. "So this is where the magic happens? And the Alex corruption?"

Jake lets out a low laugh. "Something like that."

She walks over to his desk, dragging her fingers across its surface, then turns and hops up to sit on the edge. Her eyes meet his, bold.

"So.. " Her voice dips teasing, breathier. "You gonna take care of me like you promised Alex you would?"

Jake steps closer, hands braced on either side of her on the desk, their faces inches apart. He studies her for a long moment then gives that slow, dangerous grin that makes even someone like Haley's heart stutter.

"Oh, I'll take care of you." He says huskily. "But you're not allowed to compare notes with your sister afterward."

Haley's laugh is soft, nerves and excitement all tangled up. "Deal."