#anyway total side tangent have you guys watched that video where he's telling a story about buying three eggplants for 1000 pounds

[xxplastic-cubexx]

you are the greatest addition to cherik nation thank you for your incredible art🙏

thank you so much my friend !!! however i cannot have that title when james mcavoy still breathes but i AM incredibly honored to be a candidate regardless :]]]

[jjmichie]

Jeff and Eddie Have a Beer:   A FanFic

Disclaimer:  the story below is fiction, just a tangent of my imagination playing out how things might have been for these guys during the time frame when Eddie first came to Seattle.  While inspired by real people, it is not a real account of any actual events, places, dialogues, or situations.  

The door to Jeff’s apartment made a loud swoosh as it opened, causing the blinds to jump away from the window they had been resting against, then crash back against it three times before coming to a rest once again.  The normally silent room was instantly infused with laughter and the brisk chill of autumn in Seattle, carried in by the two young men who now filled the space, their voices and their breath echoing around the walls, which struggled to contain their energy.  

“Like I said, It’s not great, but you can totally crash here,” Jeff motioned toward a couch that seemed to wake up and greet them as they approached -- an uneven couch with orange and yellow plaid fabric, boasting of used-furniture-ness and radiating a musty scent. “Sorry I don’t have a spare bedroom.” 

“It beats the floor of the rehearsal space,” Eddie smiled and deposited his duffle bag onto the less saggy side of the couch. 

“Want a beer?” without waiting for a reply, Jeff opened the refrigerator and retrieved two cans of Rainier.  He handed one to Eddie, who had followed close behind him. Together they stood on yellowing linoleum floor underneath the grating glow of the fluorescent light fixtures above, while a loud humming noise emanated from an unidentifiable source somewhere near them. 

“Cheers.”  The two cans made a welcoming tap as they collided with each other.    

Eddie pulled himself onto one of the stools that lined the boundary of the kitchen, and curiously studied his beer can.  He had never had a Rainier before.  While Jeff swiped what looked like residue from a previous meal off the counter, Eddie closed his eyes. 

When he opened them again, he noticed a framed photograph in his line of vision, on the kitchen counter, next to where he had just placed his own elbows.  A picture of five young men, huddled close, arms slung about each other, sitting on a couch which Eddie noticed was the same couch that now occupied Jeff’s living room. The man in the center of the photo had lengthy blond hair that spilled over onto the two closest friends who flanked him, one of whom rested his head on the blonde’s shoulder.  Eddie immediately recognized the two friends. 

“So, Stone and I have to go to New York next week, to sort out this stupid Polygram thing,” Jeff was saying.  “You’re welcome to stay here while I’m gone, if you don’t mind watering that plant there. I don’t want to let it die this time . . . Sorry we have to go.  Wish we could just stay here and keep working.”  

“I can imagine it’s stressful.  I hope everything works out,” Eddie took a sip of beer.   

“Yeah, so do I,” Jeff took a long drink, and rested his elbows on the kitchen counter too, across from Eddie.  He noticed Eddie’s gaze on the photograph, and let his own eyes settle on it too.  They were both quiet except for the occasional metallic ping of a beer can being squeezed too hard.  

“At least you’re going together,” Eddie pointed out, trying to sound positive. “You and Stone.  It’ll be good to have a friend there with you.  You guys seem to get along great -- “

“Ha!” Jeff cut in, laughing.  “Oh man, really?”  

Eddie looked surprised.  “No?”  

“Well, ok, yes, we get along a little better now.  But . . . it took a while.”  

Eddie waited patiently for Jeff to elaborate, eyebrows raised.  

Jeff chewed on the inside of his cheek.  “It’s taken me . . . seriously . . . three bands and almost five years to finally become what you would call ‘friends’ with him.” Jeff paused, a thought intent on constructing itself into a sentence in his mind seemed to disintegrate the more he held onto the thread, like a dream that races away as soon as one wakes.  He looked at the photo again, starkly noticing how comfortably and easily Stone’s head had rested on Andy’s shoulder, and how their fingers were laced together, and how their hair seemed to intermingle into one continuous flow. 

Eddie leaned closer and rested his chin in his hands, looking hesitantly at Jeff.  “You’ve been through . . . a lot together,” he finally said. 

Jeff straightened up, stretched, cracked his back, and then grabbed two more beers.  He walked over to a worn-out chair which was sitting as if in conversation with the couch.  He motioned for Eddie to come over and get comfortable too.  Eddie immediately followed him.  Jeff put his beer and one foot onto the coffee table.  Eddie joined his duffle bag on the couch, kicked off his boots, and did the same. 

“We have.” Jeff said softly.  

They both took a drink simultaneously.  Eddie shivered a little. The autumn air that had come into the room with them was still enveloping him and he wasn’t yet used to chilly dampness of his new surroundings.  

“You know what’s weird though?” Jeff continued.  His voice was even softer now.  “In all the time we spent dealing with the aftermath of . . . “ he gestured towards the photograph “ . . . we never really talked about it.  It was like, we would talk about anything and everything BUT.  I think Stone hates to talk about stuff like that, so I never tried to with him.  But it was hard because there were so many reporters, and they would ask us about it ALL the time,  I actually didn’t mind.  Maybe this is fucked up, but I find it sort of therapeutic.  It actually helps to talk about it.  And, maybe this is even MORE fucked up, but the reporters were literally the only people asking me how I felt!”

Jeff stopped, suddenly realizing how fast words were gushing out. He looked at Eddie on the couch, who was staring at him intently, his brow furrowed.  Seeing him there, Jeff couldn’t help but remember another time, a still-recent time, a raw and sharp memory of another time and another person on that couch.  But just then, the street lights outside came on, causing a yellow-orange beam to flow in through the blinds.  It seemed to form a halo around Eddie, ensconcing him in light, and for a moment he blended completely with the yellow-orange of the couch, creating a jarringly warm hue in the otherwise cold room.  Jeff squinted and paused, startled by the sudden vision before him. 

He had forgotten how nice it was to have someone on his couch. 

“Stone was more cynical about it,” he continued. “He thought they were . . . I don’t know, exploiting us or trying to capitalize on our grief.  Like they were deliberately trying to make us cry so fans would say ‘oh those poor little kittens’ buy more records.  So, he just always buried it.  Except for this one time when . . . “

His voice trailed off, still mesmerized by the puppy-like face and golden hair which stared back at him.  Eddie was listening eagerly, and leaned in closer. 

“. . . the time they wanted us to go help edit this video they were making.  That was the worst.  I mean, it was only a few weeks after it happened, and Stone told me later that he hadn’t even looked at PICTURES of Andy, or listened to any of the music or ANYTHING until then.  And here we had to come into this studio and sit and sort through all this footage.”  Jeff bit his lip.  “I mean, it was good.  They did a good job, but I don’t know . . I just kind of approached it from a “video-editing” perspective.  I had taken some classes on that in school and just thought, ok, here’s a chance to put it to use.  So I’m going, ok, ‘maybe move this scene here’, or ‘lose some of the slo-mo’.”

Eddie reached for the second beer, without taking his eyes from Jeff. 

“I noticed Stone was being, like, really quiet.  It was right when they were showing some footage of the whole band, all of us, out in a rowboat.  Not sure why we thought that was a cool idea at the time . . . but anyway, watching it there, in that studio, it was a wonderful memory.  It was such a fun day, and there we all were, laughing, we were just so . . . unsuspecting.” 

Jeff took an abrupt swig, and realized he had taken in too much.  It was hard to swallow.  He let his throat settle before continuing.  

“So I had just edited a scene and looked over at Stone and said, ‘what do you think?’, and . . . then, oh man, he just fucking LOST it!  He completely broke down right there in front of everybody, and starts crying like I’ve never seen anybody cry, especially Stone of all people, and it was so horrible, because I could tell it was one of those moments where you can’t control it, you know?  I don’t know if you’ve ever experienced grief . . .” 

Eddie nodded. 

“. . . it’s like, sometimes it hits you in waves, and it was like a really big wave hit Stone right then, and he was just . . . it was awful.  And totally awkward.  A room full of dudes! No one knew what to do. They were like, should we . . . hug him?  Should we . . . pretend not to notice? Everyone just sort of froze.”

Eddie reached forward to put his hand over Jeff’s, which had started trembling a few minutes earlier.  Jeff hadn’t noticed. But now he looked down at the hand which enveloped his, and was startled by how soothing it felt.  No one had touched his hand like that, not for a long time.  

He continued.  “So at that point I said, ‘guys, we’re going to call it a day.’ And one of them said something like, ‘but we’re almost done!’, which was ridiculous.  I mean, what were we going to do, go back to watching MORE of this??  There was no way we could deal with that.  And honestly I was just relieved that it was Stone who was bawling his guts out instead of me.  So, I just stood up and said, ‘no, the video can wait.  I need to take care of my friend right now.’  And I helped him out of there.”  

Eddie closed his eyes and squeezed Jeff’s hand more tightly.  Jeff gripped back, and then instinctively, almost unconsciously, turned their hands over so that Eddie’s forearm was in full view.  

“Then we just sat in my car and he cried and cried, for like, a half hour.  Still not talking at all, but just crying. It was horrible, but wonderful at the same time -- it was honestly the first time I had ever seen any real human emotion from him! I could have sat there even longer, except for all the snot he was getting on my shirt.”  Jeff laughed.  

Eddie laughed too.  He patiently kept his hand still while Jeff studied his forearm.  Jeff ran his fingers gently over it, relieved by the untarnished smoothness of the flesh and the integrity of the  veins, the outlines of which were modestly visible under the sun-kissed skin.   

“It’s crazy but that’s what it took for Stone to finally trust me.  I mean, he’s one of those people who has his guard up all the time.  But finally, at that moment, his guard was like, not just down, but completely GONE.  And I think he finally realized he could be vulnerable around me without some horrible imagined consequence happening.  Sometimes he’s still a dick head, but now I know he’s at least capable of being real . . . ”    

Eddie had slid down on the couch a little, and Jeff noticed that each time he blinked, his eyes were remaining closed for a little longer.  He remembered that Eddie had taken a very early flight in that morning.  

Just then, as if on cue, a clock from another apartment somewhere in the building chimed, breaking the moment with a melancholy off-key tone that drifted through the wall and surrounded them both.  They lifted their heads in response.  Ten times.  It chimed at them ten times before dying as abruptly as it had begun.  

“You’ll get used to that,” Jeff reassured Eddie.  “Oh, yeah, that reminds me,” he jumped up and opened a closet in the hallway.  “I think I’ve got some extra pillows and blankets.”  He retrieved some of both and piled them on top of Eddie, who had already curled up on his side on the couch.

“Thank you,” Eddie said politely, pulling one of the blankets over himself and tucking a pillow underneath his unruly hair. He now closed his eyes fully. 

“No problem.” 

“And thank you for sharing that story.  It helps me understand . . . Stone . . .  better.”  

Jeff smiled and nodded, looking at the floor.  He continued to stand like that for a few minutes, still looking at the floor, before breathing in deeply. “No, thank you . . . for listening.”  But he didn’t say it out loud.  

“I’ll get the lights.  Bathroom’s the first door on the right.  Good night!” 

“Good night.”  

Jeff shut off the lights, leaving Eddie and the couch and the framed photograph in soft darkness, which was still offset by the street lights streaming through the cracks in the blinds.  Once in his own room, Jeff realized how different the apartment felt. The usual coldness and darkness and stillness of the room suddenly seemed less so, with the warm colors of the couch blending with the warm figure who now rested upon them, a presence he could feel even through the closed bedroom door. The usual sounds of the building were now joined by the steady breathing of his new friend, who was already deep in sleep, trustfully succumbing to his new and unfamiliar surroundings.  “Thank you,” Jeff whispered, this time out loud.  

Yes.  He had forgotten how nice it was to have someone on his couch.

[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.”