#‘it’s a CHILDREN’S SH-’ yeah no shit. adults can enjoy things made for children sometimes.

[azuremist]

Call me crazy here, but I get the feeling that they maybe already knew that.

[suicidalalarmclock]

🦢 👑

III

XXX

 

Emma awoke groggily in what seemed to be her bed. She moved to sit up and froze in place upon hearing her mother’s stern voice in the background.

“The princess should not be able to slip out into the night undetected!”

Great. Now her mom was on a warpath with her handmaidens. They were sure to have severe attitudes with her for the next month.

“You don’t understand your majesty, she waits until we are asleep.”

“Give them a break mom.” Emma managed to come off unfazed though now that she was sitting up she wished she had stayed laying down. Her entire body hurts, especially her head.

“Emma!” Queen Snow’s doe eyes doubled in size upon realizing her daughter was awake.

“Emma! Why in the world were you out last night?! Do you have any idea what could have happened to you if your father wouldn’t have been there?” Emma’s mind still hadn’t sorted out the details of how she came to be back home in the first place and the splitting headache she was currently enduring made cohesive thought impossible.

“Mom I’m sorry-”

“And of all things to find out that you brought the former King Henry’s daughter with you? What were you thinking?”

“I didn’t . . . I mean I wasn’t . . . is she okay?” Snow’s features softened. Her eyebrows no longer pulled together in a frown.

“She’s fine sweetheart don’t worry. Your father brought her back to the palace. She’s in the south wing with Blue.”

“Oh no mom, she hates Blue.” Snow decided not to touch that as her daughter still appeared delirious and she had more pressing matters to sort out.

“How do you feel?”

“Like I fell off the side of a cliff. What happened last night?”

“Don’t play coy with me young lady. Why did your father find you in the Highlands?”

Emma didn’t know where to start or if she should even start at all. The conversations with Regina had her confused and waking up in the palace with no recollection of how she got there made her anxious. Snow saw the worry flint across her daughter’s face so she decided to give a little.

“Your father said he found you, Daniel, and the former princess arguing outside of Fairy HQ?”

There was no accusation to her tone. In fact, it seemed as if she was asking a simple question.

“We weren’t arguing.” Emma defended until she remembered that they had indeed been in something of a disagreement. “She’s . . . different than us.”

“Who is she? Regina?” Snow questioned earnestly trying to follow Emma’s disjointed train of thought.

“Yes, the princess.” Emma fought with how to further describe the woman she’d met. She wasn’t sure if she could trust her mother with anymore information about Regina so she turned the focus back on herself. “I heard father talking about Ginger village and I wanted to help.”

“You mean you eavesdropped on a classified Round Table discussion? Emma, how many times must we go through this? By doing that you only get half information!”

“Yeah well that half is a lot better than none.”

“Emma, you could have gotten yourself killed. Do you have any idea what is assumed to be taking the children there?”

“No, obviously that was what the entire mission was about.”

“How is that obvious? The Highlands is in the complete opposite direction of the village.”

Emma did not respond. She had no desire to go into the reasons why her father had found them in The Highlands so she remained silent and allowed her mother to continue on.

“Emma,” Snow began in visible distress, “There’s a witch in the woods.”

Emma would have normally laughed out loud at this but her mother’s serious face made her uneasy.

“You can’t mean . . .? Not like a witch with magic?” Magic seemed to be the reoccurring theme of the week.

“Yes, I do mean a witch with magic” Snow stated gravely.

“How is that possible if fairies control it all?”

“It seems it gets the magic from the children.”

Emma’s face became unreadable as she tried to understand how that could be true. “Wh-what does the witch do with the children?

“They aren’t sure. None of the missing have been found.”

“So this witch can somehow take magic form children?” Emma repeated if in an attempt to wrap her head around the idea. “How do we know?”

“Blue knows the signs and insists it’s very dark

magic. Fairy patrol alerted us to an encounter last week. They believe it was a female and they confirmed her use of dark magic. Tinker Bell was creating a tracking spell with a piece of fabric that had come off of the things robes and now she’s missing.”

“Shit!”

“Emma! Language.”

“I’m sorry mom. It kinda just came out. This is a lot of information you know? And I still feel like sh-cr-sickly . . .” The princess cursed like a sailor, it happened sometime around age 15 and now at 17 the filter was barely in place.

“Do you see now? I am trying to be completely open with you so that I will not wake up to a terror like I did last night! You could have been killed!”

Snow continued laying on the guilt. Emma nodded intermittently while tuning her mother’s voice down to a muted level. Her mind back on Regina. She was here in the palace. Emma needed to see her.

“Is that understood?” Snow finished waiting for her daughter to respond. The young princess was sure her mother had listed the punishments if she ever found herself in a similar predicament. She decided not to give her usual quarrel, about almost being an adult and how ludicrous it was for her parents had to think they could shield her from all the evils of the world.

“Yes mother.” and her mother being so tired from the ordeal allowed their conversation to end without further inquiry.

XXX

Regina awoke to a warm hand pressed against her back. The sensation was so comforting that she couldn't help but relax. She found herself disappearing into its promise of protection and courage. A pleasant tingle seeped deep into her bones, unearthing desires she had acquiesced for more stability. It was Healing Magic. The warmth of it radiated out from the top of her head to the soles of her feet, but its intensity dissipated as quickly as it came and it was this fleeting sensation that dragged her back into consciousness. 

  She allowed her eyes to wander about the space. Her back was pressed against goose down pillow tops and her body was covered in a weighty silk bedding. Expanses of marble stretched out across the floor, up columns, and arching open to a balcony where a heavily embroidered curtain fluttered tastefully in the breeze. Regina rolled her eyes. She had to be at the palace and the space was quite . . . charming really.

 “Princess.” The voice was unmistakable and Regina pushed back beneath the sheets. At least she knew where she was but why was this Blue fairy touching her?

“Are you feeling better?” Blue’s gentle tone only angered her further.

“That’s quite a question coming from you.” Are you asking if my soul has recovered from your intrusion or my body after tonight?”

“You’re angry.”

Regina did not feel it necessary to warrant a response. She stared back with an incredulous glare challenging the fairy to try and discredit her dismissiveness.

“I understand your resistance but please try to see it our way.  The dark side of magic is too much for a human to bare.”

Regina had resolved not to speak for the remainder of Blue’s intrusion but she spoke without thinking. 

“How can one measure good without evil to judge it against?”

“We do not survive off of philosophy. It would do you well to remember that.”

“You healed me with magic.”

“You are still a royal and you were hurt. It is my obligation to heal you. Would you prefer that I not?”

“I want you to give me my powers back!”

Blue turned away from her with a sigh.

“I knew this would prove too difficult for you.”

Regina sighed too out of exasperation as she decided to take the bait.

“What would be too difficult exactly?”

“You here in this realm without magic or control. I do hate for my doubts to be correct.”

And the way Blue said that let Regina know she felt the complete opposite. She did enjoy being right, being right about her in particular.

“I can grant one you one wish. ”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“Exactly what I said. I can grant you one wish. Think about it. You could wish yourself free from us and this oppressive place.”

Regina’s mouth hung slack open when commotion at the door muted her entirely.

“Regina!” 

It was Emma dressed in a pale pink housecoat with delicate white stitching. Her cheeks were red and her chest heaved as if she had been running. 

“Emma?” Regina’s tone was kind while also vexed. She pulled the sheets further up her chest, feeling indecent in the summer sleep dress that was so thin it was see through.

“I’m sorry” Emma hesitated bringing her eyes down to her feet “I wanted to make sure you were okay and . . . hello Blue.” She added as an afterthought.

The fairy’s eyes seemed to be lit with curiosity upon watching the two.

Regina’s eyes narrowed to a point, “Blue says I have one wish.”

Emma laughed out loud more snarky than actual joy

“She does hun? Good luck with that.”

“Is that something to laugh at?”

“Let’s just say, I’m still waiting for my ‘one wish’ to be granted.”

“Now princess swan, you know as well as anyone, even fairy magic comes with a price.”

“The sacrifice of my happiness seems to be of no effect.” Emma spat back, Regina watched with rapt attention, clearly theses two had deep seated issues.

“Why are you here?” Regina drew back her attention with the soft inquiry. She watched Emma intently as she wrung her hands together nervously.

“I wanted to show you something and it seems I came in time to stop you from using your wish on a thing she will never grant you. Isn’t that right Blue?”

Blue eyed the sullen princess warily before speaking with carefully chosen words.

“You both are too angry. I can not help you with that. I will leave you two now.” with that Blue disappeared in a puff of blue smoke.

The room fell silent. Both girls staring awkwardly at different spots around the room. Regina cleared her throat laughing a bit.

“What is it?” Emma questioned paranoid that the brunette was laughing at her. She knew she looked deshevled and she was still out of breath from running all the way down the south wing.

“It’s nothing really. I never would have thought that anyone could despise Blue more than me, let alone of all people you.”

Regina watched Emma shuffle her weight nervously between her feet and saw it best to stop teasing her. Clearly, she did not want to talk about it.

“Ahem, you uhm wanted to show me something?”

The blonde took a moment to come out of her daze.

“Right, and I want to apologize.”

“You seem to have to do that often.” She meant it as an insult but couldn’t stop the playful smirk forming on her lips.

“Well yeah. It’s sorta my thing. I should never have judged you. People judge me all the time and I hate it . . . You have every right to your opinions.”

“As you do yours. Really Emma . . . you were probably right, stealing my magic back would have done no good . . . ” It was a truth that was a pain to admit. Emma nodded her head slowly making her way closer to the bed taking a chance to sit along the edge.

“Daniel is at the castle too. I thought you might want to see him.”

“Oh.”

“Oh?”

“No, I - Thank you.” She’d been hoping Emma wanted to show her something more . . . well she wasn’t sure at all. Something that wasn’t her boyfriend. She hadn’t thought about him for two seconds since waking in the Charming's castle and now she found herself studying the slight pink dusted a top of Emma’s cheeks, the gentle curl of her eyelashes as she looked up from worrying her fingers. Regina wanted to run her fingers over those lashes. She wanted to kiss her eyelids and feel the feather light tickle of her lashes upon her lips.

Wow. She needed to slow down some. The healing magic had her feeling all gooey inside and she had to remember to take it easy. The princess was just so pretty and no no she’s now fairly certain that she wants to kiss her. It is all crazy. Things are moving too fast.

“I want to trust you Emma. Against my better judgement . . . maybe now we can be friends?”

The blush upon Emma’s face came back ten fold.

“Friends hun? I’d like that very much.”

The princess paused. Not sure if she should continue on the same train of thought, but she had never been good at impulse control. There was an energy the radiated between them unlike anything Emma had ever experienced in her life so she took a deep breath before she could betray her true feelings, “What if I was to say that I want more?”

“More than what?”

“More than friends.”

Emma reached forward for Regina’s hand and as soon as their fingers touched a blinding white light crackled between the two.

Emma looked terrified and honestly, Regina felt that way too, but she was also elated. She knew fairies couldn’t have control over every piece of magic in this land. Then how preposterous could it be that her true love had been living in another dimension this entire time.

XXX

[philosopherofnothing]

That Rude Laddie | Part 1 of?| Tom Holland x Reader

Ok, here we go. This is my first Tom Holland fic- pleaaaase be kind! English is not my mother tongue so I’d be eternally grateful if you correct my mistakes or tell me if something sounds funky or whatever. I’m also very inexperienced at Tumblr so idk if i’m doing this right lmao. Hope you like it!

WARNINGS: drinking, swearing (a lot), future smut. 

Summary: You are a 25-y-o English teacher living with Lisa, your best friend and owner of the pub you frequently visit in need of something to soothe your aching mind and heart (so extra). Tom is a regular and has a mild crush on your BFF, so he does not appreciate you being rude to her after a particularly rough day. Things get heated.

“Bad day, huh?”

You groaned as you plopped down on the bar stool and signaled your best friend to pour you a drink. She pulled a beer -your favourite brand- from under the bar-top and slid it towards you.

“These fucking children are going to be the death of me, I swear.” you grunted as you downed half the beer, making your friend give you quite a dirty look.

“What did they do this time?”

“Nothing! That’s what they did, nothing at all!” you yelped waving your arms around, and finished the beer in one swig. “No homework, no practising, no bringing the fucking photographs, nothing! How I am supposed to help them adapt to this country if they don’t do anything I ask them to?”

“But have you talked to..?”

“Of course I fucking tried! They don’t have time, Lisa. These parents… they have to work all day. Sometimes even two jobs. They’ll do anything to support their children. To give them a better life. And how do these nasty bastards pay them back? By going to class BAREHAND-”

“Calm the fuck down! You’re going to scare all my clients away” Lisa hissed while taking the empty bottle away. She hesitated, and then replaced it with a new one. “A little help on the house,”

“Cheers!” you smiled sarcastically and gulped it down.

“I thought you liked being a teacher. You seemed so excited when you started at the school” Lisa said as she wiped the bar-top and handed you a third beer, a worried look crossing her face.

“I do, L, I do. But it’s just��� I hate when they don’t commit, you know?” you sighed, trying not to show how upset the thought made you.

It was true, though. Teaching was your true passion. You had moved overseas as soon as you’d finished your teacher training course and looked for any job opportunities that involved foreign children in English speaking countries. You wanted to help so badly. You also really enjoyed preparing classes and loved the look on their faces when they suddenly understood something, or how they sometimes hugged you at the end of a fun class. Luckily, it didn’t take you too long to find a job as a teacher, and that’s where you’d met Lisa; you two clicked right away and had become inseparable ever since. Now it was your fourth year at the school and everything had gone wrong. The group was hideous -fourteen 15-year-olds who where only interested in who got more likes on their Instagram posts- and you were overwhelmed. It didn’t help much that the rest of your life was absolute shit: the falling-out with your parents, the break-up, having to move in with Lisa because you were living in that cunt of your ex-boyfriend’s flat. And nothing seemed to get better.

“I’m sorry, dear. Why don’t you wait here until I close and they we can make something to eat and keep watching Sex Education?” your bestie smiled sympathetically.

“Love the idea. But, why don’t we order pizzas instead, huh?”

“We ate pizza yesterday, Y/N,”

“So?”

“We can’t eat pizza two nights in a row,”

“Yes, we can...”

“We are adults. We can cook. And also it’s not heal...”

“Don’t you dare say it,”

“...thy”

“You said it,”

“But it’s true, Y/N, you can’t fill yourself up with empty calories every time you..”

“You’re not the boss of me,”

“And you never let me forget that. I’m just trying to help you out!”

“So help me out paying for the pizza,”

“I’ve already given you 3 free beers,”

“And that’s not healthy either, is it? So I might as well choke on pizza tonight and start dieting tomorrow,”

“You are impossible,”

“Am not”

“Sorry, I don’t mean to interrupt,” you suddenly heard a husky voice coming from your right. You turned around, curiosity rising, but all you could see where brunette curls poking from under a black cap. You shifted slightly in your seat trying to get a better look of his face, but he seemed to be purposely hiding it from you. “Lis, can we get the same as before? That beer was sick. I’d never tried that brand before,”

“Sure, Tom. So 5 beers and one Diet Coke, then?” L asked as she raised a hand towards you, preventing you from speaking. Time out. “Shit, there aren’t any left here. Can you wait for like 2 minutes or do you want me to take them there?”

“Nah, it’s alright. I’ll wait,” he replied, beaming at her.

His eyes didn’t leave her body until she disappeared from sight. Ugh. He took his phone out and swiped away, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth every now and again. He didn’t even look up once and you were now positively sure that he was ignoring you. Who is this guy and why is he looking at her like that? Also, why was he deliberately pretending you weren’t there? You weren’t sure if it was really you or the 3 beers that might have taken over your body, but the more he avoided you, the more you wanted him to notice you. You shifted in place one more time and cleared your throat, but he still acted like you weren’t there.

“Hey,” you said, turning around on the stool and placing your chin on your hand.

He stopped moving for a fraction of a second, and you could see, hell, feel how much he didn’t want to talk to you. You were a little bit taken aback, and the feeling intensified when he looked up at you. He was young, or at least he seemed like it. You were expecting him to be a grown-ass man… you know, those were usually stupid enough to be completely oblivious to your beauty and charm. But not a boy. How was he even in there? He couldn’t be over 18. He had no facial hair whatsoever -your ex was 30 and couldn’t grow a beer either, hon- and he was wearing a Spiderman tee.

“Hiya,” he replied, his little smile never reaching his eye, and then went back to his phone.

What is wrong with him? “It’s Tom, isn’t it? I’m Y/N,”

“Yeah,”

And nothing. Wow.

“Nice meeting you too, Tom”

He sighed and looked up, eyes facing straight forward. “What do you want?”

What did he just say? “Beg your pardon?”

“I said what do you want,”

“Hhm, rude,”

“Look who’s talking,”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You think I don’t know who you are?” he spat as he turned around, his face exuding disgust.

“Well, I don’t know who you are so I wouldn’t even know why you know me,”

“I’ve seen you a couple of times around here. I don’t like how you treat Lisa,”

“Um, excuse you? She’s my friend. You don’t get to tell me how to treat my friends,”

“And you don’t get to treat people like shit,”

“We are just fucking arou… why am I even telling you this? You don’t even know me!”

“Thank God,”

“Wow, you are one rude laddie,”

“What did you just call me?”

“I called you, Tom, a rude laddie. What are you going to do about it, huh? Call your parents?  Or should I call them and tell them where you are? I’m no lenient Lisa,”

He stifled a laugh with the back of his hand. “Oh my God. You can’t be serious.  You actually think I’m a little boy,”

Oh, what have I done? “Well, you certainly act like one,”

“And you certainly act like an c…”

“Ok, enough!!” Lisa cut him off, placing the beers with a loud clunk in front of Tom. “Jesus Christ, I could hear you two barking at each other from back there,”

“Y/N, Tom is 22 and he has every right to be here, so sod off. Tom, I’m sorry but Y/N is my best friend, and we do what best friends do: fuck with each other. You don’t need to stand up for me. It was very sweet, don’t get me wrong, but there was no need,” she finished, blushing a bit at the end. Really?

“Sorry, Lis. It won’t happen again. Thanks for the beers, love. I’ll send Sam if we need anything else,” he beamed at her and then proceeded to glare at you nastily before walking away. 

You gave him the finger as soon as he turned around but L was having none of it. 

“Come here, you little piece of sh... ARE YOU FUCKING OUT OF YOUR MIND? WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING?” Lisa yelled as she dragged you to the storage room.

“What are you yelling at me for? It’s not my bloody fault! He was being a dick to me! I just said hi and he started acting all pedantic, what was I supposed to do?”

“Are you shitting me?! Did you not realise who that was? For God’s sake, Y/N, get your head out of your ass!”

“Well, that was uncalled for,”

“That was Tom Holland, you fucking git!

Silence. 

“Y/N?”

“Tom Holland- like, Spiderman Tom Holland?”

“Yeah. Christ,”

“Oh, fuck me,”

“I’m not giving you any free beers ever again,”

[babylon-bitch]

Surprise ~ Just Friends (part 37)

Harper White is best friends with Luke Hemmings, they always have been. Not only is she friends with the rockstar, but with the rest of 5 Seconds Of Summer, as well as a really nice girl named Erika.

Harper has a few secrets, she can play all the instruments the boys play and many more. It’s a talent she has kept hidden, only very few people know.

What will happen to the six teens, wondering around the world together?

Warnings: mentions of self harm and depression, language, and overwhelming fluff

***

I’ve passed my driving test on the first try and now I’m officially road legal. It went really smoothly, didn’t mess up one time, and when I came home I took everyone out for a drive and they said that I was a good driver. All of my immediate family passed their driving test on the first try, so I’m proud to say I kept up that tradition. My grandpa took about 4 attempts, he is an absolute shit driver, he focuses on what’s out the window rather than the road.

It was Ashton’s birthday the other week so we all went out for a couple drinks, it wasn’t a full on night out. We went out to a bar, then came home and had a bonfire whilst drinking some more alcohol. It was very chill, and I liked that. We all have a rule that we don’t get each other gifts, of course if someone got them something we won’t turn it down, but we usually don’t get each other anything. We bought Ashton some shots in return.

Luke’s birthday is coming up soon and I’m trying to organise some stuff for that. We’ve all decided to throw a surprise party for him. I told Liz to take him away for the weekend, that’ll piss him off a lot because his birthday is on the Saturday, so he won’t be able to spend his birthday with his friends, but it’ll be worth it. I don’t exactly know where she is taking Luke, but somewhere away from town. I’m really looking forward to it.

I’ve never been big on birthdays, I’ve never been excited for my own birthday, weather I’m getting a super awesome gift or not, I just can’t get excited, even when I was kid. Luke used to get so offended by that.

“So Calum and Ashton, you go get balloons and like party stuff.” Maddie orders.

“Where do we get those from?” Cal asks.

“There’s a good place in town next to the wig shop.” I suggest.

“And you know that because?” Ashton questions.

“Shut up.” I snap.

“Harper and Michael you go get drinks.” Maddie tells us.

“Ah what?” I pout.

“I really wouldn’t moan when she’s in this kind of mood.” Erika whispers in my ear.

One thing we’ve all learnt is that Maddie is a replica of Monica from Friends. Loves bossing people around, is very organised, and cleans all the fucking time, for fun.

“Anyone got any ideas for what food?” She questions.

“Y-” Michael starts off.

“Okay, so me and my sister made a load of food yesterday.” She cuts Michael off.

“Fucking psycho.” Michael mutters.

“And you sleep with her?” Calum asks Erika and points at Maddie as she lists off names of many foods.

“Unfortunately.” She sighs.

“Salad,” Maddie says whilst smacking Erika on the back of her head.

“Why oh why did I choose her out of all the girls.” Erika mutters with wide eyes as she walks away.

“Erika and I are gonna clean this place as well as move some furniture around.” Maddie explains.

“Honestly.” Erika says with her hands up in surrender.

“C'mon Michael.” I nod my head towards the door and grab his arm.

“Bye guys.” We wave and I fetch my car keys out of my pocket.

Michael closes the door behind him and we make our way to my car. Slamming my door closed and putting my keys into the ignition before turning them, causing music to blast out of the speakers. I quickly turn it off because it was one of my songs.

Is that vaine?

“Why’d you turn it off? It was good.” He whines.

“You barely heard it.” I claim.

“Well it was getting into something and I wanted to hear it.” He pouts.

I ignore him and put on The Pretty Reckless.

Pulling out of the driveway I make my way into town.

“I miss Luke.” I whine and lean my head on the steering wheel as we wait for the light to turn green.

“Geez, he’s only been gone a day, get over it. How did you cope when we were on tour?”

“I didn’t.” I shrug.

“Do you regret y'know that whole thing?” He asks.

“Kinda yeah, I did some things I’m not proud of but it’s made me the person I am today.”

“Wha-what did you do?” He questions.

“I took some stuff I shouldn’t.” I sigh and concentrate on the road. “I got so high one night, I didn’t even enjoy the effect, but I did it anyway. I tried to consume everything I could to forget everything, whether it was forever or just a couple of hours, I needed something.” I tell him.

Michael and I have these chats every now and then. Besides Luke, he’s the only person I talk to about my past.

“What was Luke like?” He asks.

“Well he was worried as fuck about me, seeing your best friend and girlfriend on the floor, unconscious on the floor with blood pooled around her is never something you want to see. Obviously he wasn’t with me in England but it always felt as if he was watching me. He was disappointed in me when I admitted what I did, drugs and all, but you can’t undo the past. I’m here now and I’m healthy.” I sigh. “I’m not proud of it at all and I had my little cousins watch me go through that. They really look up to me, they should’ve looked up to Evie or someone. I’m also a role model to lots of young teenage girls, if they saw how I really am/was I don’t think they would even want to throw a look at my direction. It’s not that I’m fake in the videos Erika and I make, I’m just not that happy and I don’t think anybody could be that happy all the time.”

“I totally agree, I’m not the best role model for our fans and definitely not the best in our band. Most of the time it’s really good to be a role model because you can project all these good things, to the people, but sometimes you just get so tired of putting on a fake smile, acting as if your life is pulled together. I often worry that if they see how I truly am, they won’t like me for me. That’s not to say I’m fake, it’s almost like a different persona.” Michael agrees.

“The only person who I truly think doesn’t put a ‘mask’ on, is Erika. Her life is so simple, name me one problem she’s had, apart from coming out.”

“Uh, sh- no, I can’t think of any.” He furrows his eyebrows.

“Exactly. Erika’s had this smooth life, without any bumps along the way, at least not yet or that we know of. This isn’t being mean in the slightest, just an observation. I can’t help but be a tad jealous of her life so far, she’s got her whole life sorted out.”

“Fucking bitch.” Michael mutters and I laugh.

Pulling into a parking spot and turning the engine off. Grabbing my bag from the backseat before opening my door, waiting for Michael to climb out before locking my car. Swinging my bag onto my shoulder and holding the side so it doesn’t bash me against my leg.

“I bet you five dollars that I’m gonna have to show them my ID.” I bet.

“You’re on, you look 40.” He smirks, causing me to smack the back of his head.

“I hate you sometimes.” I pout.

“You love me really.” He says in an overly sweet voice and a shit eating grin.

Michael pulls me into a hug and I rest my head on his shoulder as we walk.

Pushing the door open to the liquor shop, being hit by a very strong smell of red wine. “Couldn’t stay in here for longer than 10 minutes, let alone work here.” Michael mutters.

“I guess you would become immune to it.” I shrug.

“What type are we going for? Like, Luke’s mum is gonna be there, we can’t just get fucked.” Michael questions.

“Liz isn’t the only adult that’s gonna be there, pretty much Luke’s whole family will be there. Get wine, beer, oh gin, Luke’s grandma likes a gin and tonic, maybe some whiskey.” I suggest some.

“What abouts some champagne?” He questions.

“I mean, sure, I won’t be drinking any though.” I tell him.

“I kinda want to get everyone really drunk and just watch.” Michael snickers.

“Have you ever been at a party or club or something, being completely sober and just watch everyone being stupid and making regrets?” I ask.

“I don’t think I’ve been completely sober, but I’ve been less drunk than others and seen some rather amusing stuff unfold.”

“You should try it some time, it can be better than actually being drunk and part of the whole scene.” I laugh.

We go off on a tangent, talking about drunken stories we’ve had together. By the time we get to the check out, we’ve laughed till our stomachs hurts and I wouldn’t be surprised if I have a abs.

“Can I see your ID please,” the man behind the counter requests.

“Sure.” I mutter and search through my bag for my passport.

Opening up the page that has my picture and information on it and passing it to him.

“You owe me 5 dollars.” I whisper into Michael’s ear.

“You should’ve bet more.” He smirks.

***

“I can create milk, what can you do?” Erika asks.

“Turn alcohol into regrets.” I say.

“Wait, if you and Maddie ever have children, what will you do?” Calum asks.

“I’ll be your sperm doner.” Ashton chimes in.

“I don’t fucking know, I haven’t really thought that far ahead.” Erika exclaims.

“What about you and Luke?” Michael questions.

“We’re the opposite gender, that’s how it works. I’m not having children for at least 10 years, I’ve got school and stuff to do before I even think about starting a family. Plus, I’ve already been pregnant, it’s the most terrifying thing.” I state.

“What was that like? We didn’t really get to talk about it?” Ashton questions.

“Probably one of the worst thing I’ve ever had to go through. Luckily I had Luke and I couldn’t of been more greatful and lucky I had Luke to go through it all with. He was so supportive through it all. It was quite emotional to be honest, I’ve never experienced anything like that, to be quite honest I’m not sure if I ever want to be pregnant again, I’ve never been into that lifestyle, could you imagine me as a mum? I think I’d be way too selfish to have a child.”

“What about Luke, doesn’t he want to have kids?” Calum asks.

“We’ve never really spoken about it. Luke probably does want a child, he’s father-material. We’d have to discuss it all, I need to get to a stable place in my life first, get school out the way, live where I want to, have Luke be able to stay in one country for a good few years.” I tell them.

“So you don’t want to have children at all?” Michael asks.

“There’s probably room for discussion, but it’s never gonna be my priority in life. Of course if I ever had a child, I’d love it to pieces and do anything for him/her.” I shrug.

“What about getting married?” Erika questions.

“Same with that, I’ve never been into marriage. Of course I love Luke so much, but I hate being grounded, y'know? I’m not scared of commitment, I just don’t like that fact that once you’re married, you kinda have to start being a proper adult. I might be open to the idea in the future. It doesn’t mean I don’t love Luke enough to marry him, it’s just not for me.” I sigh. “Do you think Luke will be upset with me?”

“Of course not, have you seen the boy? He’s head over heels for you, Luke worships the ground you walk on, he’d do anything for you, or in this case, nothing. I wouldn’t worry about it, Luke does want children though, not anytime soon of course.” Ashton says.

“I’m here!” The voice of Maddie fills our ears.

“Baby.” Erika grins and walks up to Maddie with open arms.

They wrap their arms around each others waists and embrace each other, before kissing each other.

“Ugh, I want Luke, I miss him.” I pout.

“I’ll fulfill his duties.” Calum smirks.

“Don’t come anywhere near me, Hood.” I warn.

“In all honesty do you think I’d be a good boyfriend?” Calum asks.

“You’re a great boyfriend to me.” Michael winks.

“I’ve never really seen you or Ashton or Michael be all coupley. I used to think Erika and Ashton had something going on, but evidently not,” I say and gesture towards Erika and Maddie who are cuddling and whispering stuff into each others ears.

“That used to piss me off so much when you guys would ship us. Like, Erika is a nice girl and all, but I never liked her in that way.” Ashton comments.

“See how Luke and I used to feel.” I tell them.

“That was different, you guys clearly liked each other.” Ashton says.

“Shut up.” I flip him off.

“Can we start decorating now?” Maddie excitedly ask.

“Sure I guess.” I shrug.

“Okay, Michael, Ashton, Harper and Calum you guys do the garden and kitchen, while Erika and I do the inside.” Maddie instructs.

“Ugh, why can’t we get professionals?” I whine and lean on Calum.

“Because it’s Maddie.” Calum sighs and puts his arm around my shoulders, walking me towards the kitchen.

“Okay, Calum and Harper do the kitchen and Michael and I will start the garden.” Ashton tells us.

I start gathering some fairy lights and stringing them around. “Cal, could you pass me the balloons please?” I request.

“Sure.” He nods and throws them towards me.

“Thanks.” I smile and open the package.

Pulling out a green one and start blowing it up, before letting it go, causing it to fly all over the room. Calum squealing and running out of the door.

I bend over, clutching my stomach in laughter. “Harper!” Calum scolds.

“Sorry about it.” I wink and properly blow it up then tying it in a knot.

Many balloons later I’ve blown most of them up, only a couple left. Going into the garden and having a look at what the boy’s have created. “Looking good guys.” I complement them.

They’ve got fairy lights hung up, banners that say Happy Birthday, balloons in the shape of the number 18, and some other useless things.

“Thanks.” Michael grins.

Coming up behind Michael and pulling apart the balloon opening, making it make a squeaky noise.

“Ah, Harper!” Michael pouts.

Tying the balloon up and sticking my nail into it whilst holding it by Ashton. “Hey, Ash.” I smile and when he turns around I dig my nails in deeper, causing it to pop.

Ashton screams and runs around. “Ash, Ash,” I laugh and try to get him to stop running.

“That’s not cool Harper.” He whines.

“I’m sorry.” I say and hug him.

“You will be,” He smirks as he grabs the hosepipe.

“Ashton Fletcher Irwin! Don’t you fucking dare.” I warn.

“Revenge is a thing, Harp.” Ashton wiggle his eyebrow.

“Revenge is best served cold, Irwin.” I tell him.

“I mean, this is quite cold.” He shrugs.

“That’s not how it works.” I say. “If you spray me, I will not be your friend.”

“Oh no, how will I live without you?” His voice dripping with sarcasm.

“Y'know, sarcasm isn’t very nice.” I say and make a b-line to the back door.

“Harper, could you help me with the tables?” Calum asks as he stands by one end of a table.

“Yeah, sure.” I nod and pick up the other end.

Calum walks backwards as I walk forward, we gently ease it out through the doorway and are met by water being sprayed at us.

“Ashton!” I squeal.

“Dude, the fuck?” Calum exclaims.

Ashton starts to spray some more water from the hose and I start to run away, but Ashton wraps his arm around my waist and pulls me towards him, before pointing the hosepipe at me, some getting him.

“You are so dead, Irwin.” I glare at him and take the hose pipe off him and point it at him, making him scream and run around. “Michael,” I call and gesture for him to come over.

“Yeah?” He asks as he walks towards me. What an idiot.

I quickly shove the hose pipe down his jeans and the look of horror on his face. “Harper you son of a bitch.” He curses and take it out of his jeans.

“Yes?” I sweetly ask.

“You are so getting it.” He shakes his head.

This all turns into a water fight, with all of spraying each other or using each other as a human body shield. Luckily it’s hot as balls today.

“I’m gonna go home and get changed.” I tell them and we all follow each other into the house again.

“What on earth happend?” The voice of two girls ask.

“Didn’t you hear the screaming?” Calum questions in disbelief.

“I didn’t really think much of it.” Maddie shrugs.

“We’re going, see you later.” I say.

“Oh, everything is set up out there, just the food and tables need to be set up and stuff.” Ashton tells them.

“Ew, I can’t handle this anymore.” I whine and take my top off as I walk out the door. “Calum stop staring.”

***

“Liz has just texted me, they’re about 3 minutes away.” I tell everyone.

Everyone starts to crouch down or hide behind some furniture, I turn the lights off, not that it did anything anyway because it’s still quite bright outside, the sun is setting.

“Bloody hell, I’m getting a cramp here.” Luke’s grandmother says after a minute and everyone bursts out laughing.

“Pheobe.” I call as she walks out.

She runs back to me and I wrap and arm around her so she doesn’t ruin it all.

We all hear a car pull up and we all get ready to jump out. Hearing the keys jingle in the lock and voices talking, then laughter.

“SURPRISE!” We shout as they enter the house.

“Oh my god.” He laughs. “You lied!” He says and points to Liz and Andy.

I walk over to Luke and smile. “Happy Birthday, Luke.” I grin and give him a small kiss.

“Thank you, really didn’t expect this.” I says and wraps his arm around my waist. “You look great by the way.” He whispers into my ear.

“Thank you.” I smile and kiss his cheek before letting other people talk to him.

“I’m so glad he’s home.” I smile and observe him from afar with Calum.

“You really love him, don’t you?” Calum asks.

“Yeah, I mean it’s Luke, I’ve known him pretty much my whole life. I don’t think I’d be able to live without him, he’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I’m so lucky to have him in my life, let alone date him. I love Luke with all my heart, if we ever break up, I’d be so broken, empty, and depressed. Luke is my other half, partner in crime, best friend, what ever you want to call it.” I confess.

“I think it’s greatly returned.” Calum smiles making me blush.

After a while everyone has settled down and are in the garden. Luke and I are sitting on the grass, Luke’s sitting with one leg bent and I’m leaning against it. “Kiss me.” Luke pouts.

“No.”

“Why?” He asks.

“Because your whole family is here.” I point out.

“And…”

“I’m not gonna kiss you with them here, let alone watching.” I say.

“Didn’t stop you earlier.” He raises an eyebrow.

“I was excited to see you.” I whine.

“I can go away and then come back again if you want.” He offers.

“I’m not gonna kiss you Luke,” I laugh.

“One kiss.” He reasons.

“One kiss on the cheek.” I tell him.

“Deal.” He smirks.

I place my hand on his neck and lean up slightly before bringing my lips to his cheek, only for Luke to turn his head at the right moment and our lips collide.

What’s the worst that could happen?

I move my lips against his and Luke’s arm holds my waist, while the other one is in my hair.

“Steady on, lovers.” Luke’s aunt says.

We pull apart wide eyed and stare at each other. “I fucking told.” I tell him.

“Sorry.” He smirks and kisses me again.

“I’m gonna hit you later.”