#was craving red hood christmas cheer

[noka-exe]

pt 2 | pt 1

Damian finds a way to vent his frustration… feat. his two annoying red older brothers

[tinselkj]

Winter Wonderland Who: KJ Apa and Andy Biersack Where: Cincinnati, Ohio When: Christmas Day 2020 Notes: Keneti surprises Andy with the ultimate Christmas gift @bvb-andy-black

KJ had originally wanted to do this on Andy's birthday, but after speaking to his mom, KJ knew she was right, Christmas was the best option. This meant that he could spend his birthday as an engaged man, which only brought a smile to the redheads features. Dressed in a cream knitted sweater and tight black jeans that hugged his ass in all the right ways, he knew his boyfriend would get lost in the way he looked. Over the last five years, Keneti had changed his style to cater to his boyfriends taste, wanting nothing more than to make him drool. "Hey babe, are you ready for our date? Your mom said she will put dinner aside for us, so we don't have to worry about there being nothing left when we get back." Wrapping his arms securely around the love of his life, KJ gave him his now signature smirk. "Have I told you today that you're the most handsome man I've ever met?"

  Andy loved being home for Christmas. He loved being with both KJ and his family and he enjoyed how well his boyfriend got along with his parents. That meant more to him than the red head would ever fully understand. He pulled his sweater over his head. A simple shade of red, a gift from his mother and no matter what she got him he always made sure he wore it, his jeans were black, a color that filled almost his entire wardrobe. He turned around to grab his jacket just as he was met by the warm embrace of his boyfriend. He wrapped his arms around him, his hands instantly sliding into the back pocket of his jeans as he held him close. "I'm ready, I just have to grab my jacket and then we can go." his baritone voice rang out in a slightly lower volume as he looked at his boyfriend. He was by far the most attractive man he'd ever laid his eyes on and he knew how to dress to bring Andy to his knees. "I don't think you've told me that lately, but you know I love to hear it."

KJ really only had one reason for wanting to come to Andy's house for the holidays, and that was to talk to both of his parents. He had been in love with this man for the better part of the last seven years, and while it took two years for them to get together, he knew long ago that Andy was the man he intended to spend his life with. Which is what he planned to do, now that he had the blessing of his family. "I've obviously been slacking then." Looking over his outfit with approval, Keneti pressed a loving kiss to his lips, lingering only slightly before pulling away. "So I saw you and Jake finally admitted that he's your mistress. I knew it was only a matter of time." He wasn't lost to the fact that his boyfriend and his bandmate had all but professed their love for each other, but he wasn't worried. He knew where the blondes heart really lay, and that was never a question.

For a few moments, Andy found himself just staring at KJ. Taking his gaze away from him was next to impossible. This was the man that he had shared five years with and there wasn't a single day that he would trade for anything in the world, KJ really did hold his heart in the palm of his hand. "It's okay, you can make up for it." He smiled, letting his smirk pull across his lips which only followed a laugh at the words his boyfriend spoke. "Oh my god! You were in my phone, you little shit." He shook his head as he lightly kissed his lips once more before pulling away and grabbing his jacket. It was simple, black with fur around the hood. He slipped it on his shoulders as he turned to look at KJ. "Come on! let's go!" he spoke with excitement as he made his way to the door, pulling his hat over his head.

Raising a brow at his boyfriend once he finally pulled away, the younger man couldn't help but shake his head in return. "You say that like you don't go through my phone all the time. There's a reason you and I put each other's fingerprints in each other's phones. We have no secrets." He really didn't care that the two friends flirt, he never saw Jake as a threat to his relationship. "As you wish my love. " Keneti spoke as he laced his fingers through his boyfriends after sliding his arms into the puffy jacket.

Andy was quick to take KJs hand and pull him along with him outside. "I don't mind that you go through my phone, I have nothing to hide." He spoke as he stepped out onto the sidewalk. The snow covered the ground beneath his feet, it was one of the things he loved about being in Ohio for the holiday, it never failed to give him a white Christmas and he got to share it with his boyfriend. "Tonight is going to be great, I can just feel it." He spoke with a smile, he was so fully of holiday cheer, nothing could bring him down. Following the blonde outside into the cold, KJ silently lifted his boyfriends arm, wrapping it around his shoulders before wrapping his own around his boyfriend's waist. "It wasn't that I was going through your phone, I was going to do a live on your Instagram and his text was already pulled open when I unlocked it." Stepping out as his feet crunched into the soft blanket of snow. Being from New Zealand,  KJ missed the warm weather of his homeland. "Well I sure hope it is! I put a lot of work into this date. I wanted everything to be perfect for you."

He moved his arm to pull his boyfriend closer to his side, holding onto him tightly as the two of them made their way down the street. "I don't mind that you had my phone, I think the fans would have a heart attack if you stopped streaming on my Instagram." He laughed as he turned his head just a bit to kiss the side of KJs head. "Baby, you're pretty much recreating our first date, it's already perfect."

"I think I've been driving them crazy. I've been making up these crazy stories, and just stopping the stream right when I'm about to tell everyone what happened in the end. I think your fans are going to kill me one day with all of the shit I pull." Keneti laughed taking notice that he was starting to catch onto what he had planned for them. "Well that's because I am recreating our first date. I have skates in my car...so we are going to the lake to ice skate. It was frozen solid when I went to go check it out, so it was perfect." Little did his boyfriend know that tonight was going to be the best Christmas of his life after what he had planned for him.

"They won't kill you, they know how much I love you." He spoke as he walked over to KJ's car, his hand coming out as he opened the door for his boyfriend. "I love that you thought you could keep it a secret. I heard you tell my mom that we were going, you don't really have an inside voice." He laughed softly before he looked at him. "I'm driving." He smirked as he quickly slid into the drivers seat and pulled his seatbelt across.

"Do they love me as much as I love you? Because if they do...that's a hell of a lot of love." Just being in this man's arms was like the whole world around him became clearer. He loved him with all of his heart, and despite everything they had been through over the years, KJ would never trade it for anything. "Hey, it's not my fault you have this uncanny ability to hear things unlike normal people. I swear to god--sometimes I think you're actually Superman and you're just trying to use Batman as a cover or something. Is that what's going on here, Andy? Are you really a Kryptonian?" KJ asked as he settled into the passenger seat, more than happy to let the other man drive.

"No one loves me as much as you do baby." He smiled as he looked out the window for a moment. Every Christmas he spent with KJ just got better and better, this was his life and he was happier than ever. His heart almost always felt like it was going to explode with how much he loved his boyfriends. When the words came out of his mouth, Andy looked over to him. "be lucky that I don't throw you out of the car and make you walk for that comment." He spoke as he started the car and pulled away from the house, making his way towards the lake. "Blasphemy."

"Just like no one could ever love me as much as you do my love." KJ wasn't sure what it was about Andy, but the man sitting next to him made him want to be a better person. He made him want to take life a bit more serious, despite how he acts around his friends. "I'm calling you my personal Superman from now on. He's an alien, you're an alien...it just fits." Keneti joked as he reached over, lacing his fingers with his other half's, all the while watching as snow covered trees passed by as the car whized down the familiar street.

Andy pulled his gaze away from the road for a moment to look down at KJs hand in his. "You really want to hold my hand right now after you just insulted me by calling me Superman? It's like you don't even know me." He spoke as he tightened his hold on KJs hand the moment their fingers laced together. He would never truly be upset with his boyfriend over something like that but there was no harm in a little playful banter. He moved his gaze to look back out the window, keeping his gaze on the road ahead of him.

"I always want to hold your hand. We could be having the worst fight of our relationship, and I would still hold your hand. It's my way of showing you that no matter how mad I may be, I still love you." And those words couldn't ring much truer. He was so in love with this man, that nothing he could ever do would make him love him any less. He could find out that he had run off with Jake, and he would still crave this man. "Plus this just means I get to be your Lois Lane. I think I could pull that off quite well, don't you think?"

"i prefer you holding my hand when we fight, it keeps me grounded, keeps me focused and I don't get lost in my anger." He spoke and it was true. KJ had a way of calming Andy down when he was angry and there was no one in his life before him that could do that. It was something that Andy thought wasn't even possible but his boyfriend showed him that he was wrong. "Would you stop with the Superman talk, I'm literally the voice of Batman."

"And if that doesn't work, I know I can always kiss you to calm you down and help you control your anger. It hasn't failed me yet, so that's promising." Keneti finally spoke as he turned to face his boyfriend instead of gazing out the window. "And they obviously picked the wrong hero for you. What would you do if I started getting you nothing but Superman gifts for every major holiday and birthdays? We could even have a Superman wedding when that day eventually comes. I think it would be so romantic!"

Andy pulled the car over and turned it off as he looked over to KJ. "You make one more reference about Superman and you are walking the rest of the way to the lake I don't care if you freeze your balls off." he spoke in that deep baritone voice, his gaze never leaving his boyfriends.

KJ hadn't expected the man to pull the car over at his comments, but he really should have. He knew how passionate he was about Batman, and here he was, insulting him by even suggesting that he could be anyone else. That didn't stop him from continuing though. He was on a roll, and when he got started on something, there was no stopping him until he finally lost it. Reaching over and cupping his boyfriends face, KJ closed the distance, kissing his lips with such passion, that he knew Andy would be at a loss for words. "Whatever you say Superboy." Pulling away, the redhead burst into a fit of laughter, arms enclosing his stomach as laughter echoed throughout the car. "I love you baby, don't be mad at me."

Right before Andy could say anything, KJ's lips were on his and he felt like his heart was going to burst out of his chest. He always had that affect on him. His eyes fell closed as he kissed him back with just as much passion and if they didn't have a date to keep, he would probably ravish him right then and there in the car. " I hate you.." He whispered as he kept his eyes closed, trying so hard to regain his thoughts. "I should really make you fuckin' walk." He spoke as he started the car again and pulled back out onto the road.

Smirking into the kiss, KJ couldn't help the way his heart raced in his chest at being so close to the man he got to call his boyfriend. "I love you too, my dark knight." Keneti whispered as he pressed one final kiss to the corner of his mouth, wanting them to get to their destination before the sun could go down. He wanted his gift to happen as the sun was setting, and he knew he only had a few hours before that happened. "We both know you wouldn't actually make me walk. You care far to much about me to ever do that. Though I do kind of deserve it."

Andy shifted his gaze to look over to KJ when he heard him stammer. "I love you too." He spoke as he squeezed his hand, his way of trying to get the other to relax, he didn't understand why he was so nervous. It wasn't like the two of them had never been on a date in the five years they'd been together. He pulled the car over and turned it off, his gaze drifting out the window to look at the frozen lake that was in front of them. "I forgot how beautiful this place was... it was on that lake where we made our relationship official.." He knew that look, he knew Andy was onto him and how nervous he was. He wanted this to be a surprise, and he couldn't do that if Andy started asking questions, which was bound to happen if he didn't pull himself together. "Do you remember how I fell down near the middle, and ended up bringing you down with me? We just laid there for a good five minutes just laughing with each other..which only made me fall for you even more because I love your deep baritone laugh. I still can't believe I had the courage to kiss you while we lay there. It was the best day of my life."

Andy looked at him when he spoke, every memory was still fresh in his mind. That was a day he knew he would never forget. "Oh god." He laughed and shook his head. "You took me down hard I thought I'd broken my wrist when you pulled me down. When you kissed me.. that was when I asked you to be mine." He spoke as he leaned over to lightly kiss his lips. "Come on baby." he smiled as he pulled back to step out of the car. He felt bad for taking his boyfriend down with him, and his sprained wrist that resulted in it. "It was instinct to pull you down with me. Thankfully I pulled you down on top of me though. If you would of hit the ice like I did, you would of broke something for sure." He could remember the day like it was yesterday. He could remember the huge smile that spread across his face when he asked him to be his, it was the same smile that was plastered on his features right this second at him calling him baby. It was such a simple word, and yet it did things to him that he just couldn't explain. Quickly unbuckling, KJ reached into the back seat, grabbing both sets of ice skates before following after Andy. "Here, babe. You can't get very far without these."

He took just a moment to adjust his jacket, pulling the hood over his head as he walked around to KJs side of the car. Reaching out, he took the ice skates from him. "This is going to be fun." He spoke as he moved to sit down on the ground. He didn't care that he was sitting in the snow, he was a native to Ohio and spent most of his time in Canada with KJ so the cold didn't seem to bother him anymore. He pulled his shoes off, replacing them with the skates before he slowly stood up and tossed his shoes into the car. "Think you can keep your balance this time?"

Pulling his own shoes off as he leaned against the side of the car, KJ easily laced up the skates, unwilling to admit to his boyfriend that him and his dad had spent most of the day today teaching Keneti how to skate on his own. He was still a little shaky on his feet, but he was able to hold his own now.  "Didn't you know? I'm a natural now!" The redhead teased over confidently, tossing his own shoes into the car before following after Andy, catching his hand in his as he laced their fingers yet again. "You know--I find it endearing that we always have to be holding hands. It doesn't matter what we are doing, but we have to be touching in some shape or form. I just love it."

By the time KJ was done putting on his skates, Andy was already making his way onto the ice. He spent most of his life on ice skates, and this lake had become a second home to him since they'd gotten together. He spent more time here than most people knew he did. he smiled when KJ took his hand and he was quick to give it a squeeze. "I think it's how I know you're real and this isn't some crazy dream I'm having, and also because I have this strange fear that you're going to disappear if I'm not touching you."

"Well believe me when I say, I'm not going anywhere." Pushing his free hand into his pocket, KJ wrapped his fingers around the little black box that had been burning a hole in his pocket since he had put it in there before the pair had left the house. KJ knew he had a lot of trauma in his life, and he would give anything to be able to take that pain away, but he knew that's what made his boyfriend who he was today. So instead, he tried to make it a point to give him everything he could ever need emotionally in their relationship. "I'm sorry if I take us down again." KJ laughed as he took a slightly shaky step onto the ice, trying to remember to glide his feet like Andy's dad told him to do.

"Come here." Andy spoke as he stepped out onto the ice, turning around so he was facing KJ, he held his free hand out to take both of his. "I won't let you fall, I promise." He smiled as he started to skate backwards, keeping a light hold on his boyfriends hands. This was the probably the happiest moment of his life. Here they were on Christmas, skating on the very lake where it all started, he was in heaven and he would give anything to never lose this moment.

Releasing the box back into the depths of his pocket, KJ took the outstretched hand as he focused on staying balanced. "I trust you, babe. I know you won't let me fall." He would trust Andy with his life. He knew he would never let anything happen to him, and that included falling. "I think I'm okay now. Come on--let's skate around for a while." KJ offered as he let go of both of his boyfriends hands, wanting to watch his show off a bit as he made himself comfortable on the ice.

Andy was almost in a panic when his boyfriend released both of his hands. The last time he checked, he wasn't the greatest on the ice but his opinion was changed quick as he watched his boyfriend closer. "You've practiced, oh you sneaky little fucker." He laughed that deep baritone laugh as he quickly grabbed onto KJ's hand, lacing their fingers together as he pulled him along with him.

"Yeah...I kind of asked your dad to give me lessons this morning. I wanted it to be a surprise that you didn't have to worry about me this time. That we could just have fun!" And it was the truth. He had asked his dad for help, but that wasn't the reason the pair had disappeared into the studio. No, he had wanted to ask for his permission to marry his son, something he had never been so scared of asking in his life. "I'm not as great of a skater as you are, but I can at least move without falling now." KJ smiled as he laced their fingers together yet again.

"I knew there was a reason you and my dad kept sneaking away." He spoke as he pulled KJ with him carefully towards the other side of the lake. Just the fact that he could even keep up with him, that was amazing, Andy didn't feel like he had to slow down for him, though he was keeping a slow pace anyway. "The fact that you learned for me... to be able to do this with me today. I love you so much."

Giving a small laugh at the statement, Keneti nodded his head. "Yeah, it was very patient with me. I really wanted today to be perfect, and that included me being able to hold my own with you out here. I also have hot chocolate in the car, so when we get cold, we will be able to warm up a little bit." As the pair skated around for a while, KJ noticed the sun slowly starting to go down as the sky turned all shades of pinks and purples. He knew how he wanted to do this, and he knew if he didn't do it now, he wasn't going to at all. Turning his skate at just the right angle, KJ wobbled, causing him to fall, only to be caught by Andy to the point that he only made it to his knees as Andy stood in front of him. "I was doing so well too.." KJ spoke as he switched to one knee. "Do you mind helping me up?" KJ asked as his right hand went back into his pocket, fingers tightly gripping the box as he held out the other hand, knowing he wouldn't let Andy pull him up just yet.

Andy gasped out the moment KJ fell. He was so in love with this man that even the idea of him getting hurt scared the hell out of him. once he grabbed him, Andy looked down at him. "Careful. are you okay baby?" He spoke with a concerned tone as he reached his hand out to take hold of KJ's he'd turned his body slightly to keep his own balance as he held onto his hand. "Come on, you can try again." he spoke as he tightened his hold on his hand help pull him up.

Taking his hand into his, KJ took a deep breath, pulling slightly as a way to resist his attempt to pull him up. "Yeah, I'm fine. You know....I think this is the exact same spot I fell in the first time you and I came here." KJ laughed as he stroked the back of his boyfriend's hand with his thumb. "You know...I would be so lost without you. You've taught me so much about love over the past seven years. Seeing what you went through with your ex--seeing how heartbroken you were when you finally found the courage to leave...that broke my heart. I know I never told you this, and I realize at the time, you and I were only friends, but I vowed to never let you get hurt like that again. I promised myself that I would protect not only you, but your heart as well. Which I like to think I've done a very good job at doing. I know I'm not the easiest person to love. I'm rash, over confident, annoyingly hyper and when you get Charles, Cole and I into the same room...well I become a whole other person. It takes a special kind of person to love me the way you do, and you really do love me with all your heart. There is one thing I know without a shadow of a doubt, and that's I want to be with you for the rest of my life. I want to continue to make you happy, and If you'd let me...I'd like to take the next step. Andrew Dennis Biersack...will you do me the honor of being my husband? Will you marry me?" Keneti asked, hand shaking as he pulled the box out, letting go of Andy's hand as he opened the box with a slight squeak of the hinge of the lid as it opened, revealing the dark metal of the ring--diamonds sparkling in the setting sun as he held the box up for his boyfriend to see, nervous to hear what his answer could possibly be now that he had stopped talking.

Andy was a bit confused when KJ pulled and resisted the help getting to his feet, and the confusion only set in more when he started talking to him, but it was only a few seconds before he realized what was happening. KJ was down on one knee, he was pouring his heart out to him and the tone of his voice was laced with nervousness. This was it, this was the moment he was going to ask the question and Andy didn't know how to react to it. He stared at him, his jaw just slightly dropping when it all finally sank it and it wasn't until he heard the question that it made it all real. He asked him to be his husband and suddenly Andy found himself in a battle between his brain and his mouth as he tried to form words but nothing came out. Instead, the signals got crossed and tears streams down his cheek as he quickly lifted his hand to cover his mouth. "Are you serious?" He questioned as he looked down at him, and when that box came open, that was when he was certain that it was all for real. "Yes! Yeah, fuckin' yes I'll marry you."

As soon as the word 'Yes' passed his lips, KJ immediately stood to his full height, only wobbling once before he pulled his now fiancé into his arms, clinging to the man as tears fell from his own eyes as he finally buried his face into the crook of his neck. Taking in everything that was Andy in that moment. "I love you, baby." KJ spoke before finally pulling away, taking the ring out of the box, only to hold it up slightly to show Andy what was engraved on the inside of the ring. "Now you will forever be my Dark Knight." Keneti smiled once the blonde saw the little batman logo etched into the inside of the ring. Taking his fiancé's left hand into his, KJ slid the ring onto his ring finger before bringing that hand up to his lips, kissing his knuckles softly. "I love you so fuckin much, Andrew."

For a small moment, Andy felt like he was going to pass out. He'd waited so long for this moment and he was sure that it was going to come down to him being the one to ask, and he was ready for that, but his now fiancé took him completely by surprise. he wrapped his arms around him, hugging him tightly as he tried to get his own tears to stop falling. "I love you too." he replied as he shifted his gaze to watch KJ's every move. The fact that he went as far as to get the Batman logo engraved on the inside showed that he knew Andy and he took his time preparing for this, Andy would have to give his a compliment later on how long he kept it a secret from him. "I was not expecting this, Keneti.. not even for a moment." He spoke as he pulled his hand back only to look at the ring. "I love it... and I love you." He spoke as he reached out to take his hands in his. "You have made this the best day of my life and the greatest Christmas I've ever had. I'll never forget this moment." he added as he leaned forward to press his lips to his fiancés, kissing him softly.

[whimsical-ness]

Promise | Baekhyun

◇ Link to Masterlist

◇ Short story as part of this Secret Santa exchange created by @kpop-stole-my-lyfe

◇ Genre: Fluff!!

◇ Summary: A seemingly depressing Christmas Eve takes an unexpected turn when the local bartender takes it upon himself to cheer you up.

◇ Word Count: 2k

◇ A/N: Yay for holiday stories! @treasure-exo , I hope you like this Susie, I tried my best! :)

You sighed loudly as you set the glass down with a soft clink, your chin falling into your palm as you frowned, glaring at the happy couple kissing two feet away from you.

Did they really have to do that? In public? In front of people who’d just had their hearts broken?

The sound of someone clearing their throat made you look away, right up into the eyes of the bartender who was grinning at you knowingly.

You rolled your eyes, taking another gulp of your drink. “What? If they’re going at it like that for everyone to see, is it really so wrong to stare?”

The bartender raised his eyebrows. “I didn’t say anything,” he said defensively. “I was just going to ask if you’re alright. It’s odd to see someone drinking by themselves at a bar on Christmas Eve.”

You snorted. “Sue me. It’s a crime, is it? Sorry for not being obnoxiously happy and excited. I’m not really in the festive mood.”

The bartender let out a breath. “Whoa there. Wanna tell me what happened?”

You glanced at your drink, contemplating whether to tell this stranger why exactly you were in a bad mood. Why did he even care?

“Why do you care?” you blurted automatically. Now it was his turn to roll his eyes. “You’re kind of ruining the mood here for everyone,” he said pointedly. “Maybe if you tell me what’s wrong, we can liven things up for you.”

You were almost offended. But you decided to answer.

“My boyfriend broke up with me,” you said monotonously, and lifted the glass to your lips to swallow down the already rising hurt.  “Ah,” he replied, his eyes softening. “And you’re going to let him ruin Christmas for you?”

You hesitated. For the past two years of being in a relationship, Christmas had always been happy. He had made it happy. As pathetic as it sounded, you didn’t feel as if you were going to be able to feel that away without him there to celebrate it with you.

It was as if the bartender read your thoughts, because he went on. “Understandable. You have pleasant memories of him associated with Christmas, don’t you?”

You bit your lip, looking away from him. 

“What if you could make new memories?” he said, his lips lifting. “New memories for a new year. I reckon it would help you feel much better.”

You raised your eyebrows in question. 

“I’ll tell you what. My shift ends in 20 minutes. I’m making it my responsibility to make your Christmas unforgettable.”

You gaped at him. “Excuse me?”

The bartender flushed. “Okay, I definitely did not mean it like that. I meant, we can hang out or something. Enjoy all the celebrations around town. You just...look like you need it.”

“And why would I say yes?” you countered, crossing your arms. “I don’t even know you.”

He shrugged. “You don’t have to say yes. But you’d be missing out on a great evening with a cute guy like myself. Are you really willing to turn that down?”

You burst out in disbelieving laughter. But he wasn’t wrong. He was very cute. Twinkling brown eyes and a mop of fluffy dark blonde hair that grazed his forehead; his lips curved in a cheeky smile. 

You didn’t really want to turn him down at all.

“Oh alright,” you said finally, feeling your heart warm a little for the first time as his face lit up in a smile.

“You won’t regret it,” he replied, winking at you. “I’m Baekhyun, by the way. And I promise by the end of the evening, you’re going to forget about your breakup. And that this is going to be your favourite Christmas yet.”

“Susie,” said Baekhyun brightly as you walked along the sidewalk, your boots scuffing against the rough surface. “That is a very pretty name.”

“Thanks,” you mumbled awkwardly. “Where are we going anyway?”

“Have you ever been to a karaoke place?” he piped, and you shook your head. “Then that’s where we’re going. Get ready to sing your heart out to some Christmas music.”

You bit your lip, increasingly unsure of what you’d gotten yourself into. But 10 minutes later, you were nearly falling over with laughter as Baekhyun belted out his best rendition of “All I Want For Christmas Is You”, while somehow getting half of the lyrics wrong.

“How do you not know the right words?” you asked breathlessly, clutching your stomach to stop yourself from laughing. Baekhyun grinned, and continued to sing loudly and obnoxiously. 

You took a deep breath and started to sing yourself, hesitant at first. But Baekhyun’s enthusiasm rubbed off on you, and as his voice rang out over the music, you found yourself not caring anymore, singing loudly and passionately, almost trying to outdo him.

And when the screen lit up showing the perfect score, you turned to him and pulled him in for a hug, forgetting for an instant that he was almost a stranger. When you immediately froze up, Baekhyun only chuckled, and hugged you tighter, his arms warm around your body.

You pulled away quickly, embarrassed, certain that your cheeks were pink. “We make a good team,” said Baekhyun grinning, shrugging on his coat. “All that singing has made me hungry. Shall we?”

And so your next stop was at a pizza place, which you definitely didn’t have a problem with, though your new friend seemed to. “What’s wrong?” you asked him curiously, taking a big bite of your slice and letting the cheese met into your mouth. “I thought you were hungry.”

He pouted, but took a bite anyway. “Pizza on Christmas Eve just doesn’t seem right. I’m usually used to a whole dinner set out, with roast and potatoes and pudding and stuff.” 

A sudden question popped into your head then. “Why aren’t you home?” you asked curiously. “Why are you here, with me, instead of being with your family?”

He shrugged. “Couldn’t afford the flight ticket home this year. I guess I should’ve saved up more.”

Your heart broke a little as he took another bite of his slice, because you could see the disappointment on his face. “That sucks,” you said softly. 

Baekhyun shook his head, his smile returning. “Not anymore. Think about it this way, if I had ended up going, I would never have met you, right?”

The casual words made your cheeks flame up, and you looked away from him, suddenly shy. You wanted to reply that you were glad too, that fate had made it so he hadn’t ended up going. That you had met him. That he’d brightened up your mood more than he thought he had.

You nearly fought him, later, when he refused to split the bill. “It was my idea to take you out, and so I’m paying,” he said firmly, and even though you grabbed his hand to stop him, threatening to stuff the money into his trousers, he only laughed, his eyes twinkling suggestively. 

“Really, there are other ways of saying you want to take my pants off,” he said, and before you could say another word, he was paying the bill and scooting out of the restaurant, leaving you slightly flabbergasted and following behind him.

“Baekhyun—” you started to whine, but he wasn’t listening, his head instead turned up to the sky, his lips parted in awe. “It’s snowing,” he said, his voice laced with curious joy. “I can’t believe it.”

You laughed, amazed, as snowflakes trickled down around you. It hadn’t snowed at all, that winter. And now, on Christmas Eve, the town was going to be covered in sparkling white snow. 

“It’s a white Christmas,” breathed Baekhyun, echoing your thoughts. “Wow.”

“The snow isn’t going to distract me from what you just did back there,” you reminded him, crossing your arms over your chest. “I’m going to pay you back. It’s not fair. It’s not like it was a—“

“A date?” he interrupted, smiling. At your flustered expression, he laughed airily, pulling up the hood of his hoodie. “But what if I wanted it to be?”

You groaned, covering your face. “You don’t even know me.”

“I know enough to know that that boyfriend of yours was a fool to let you go,” he said softly, and you felt your heart skip unevenly. It was dangerous, you thought. It was dangerous to be feeling this way, so quickly, about this cheeky bartender. 

If you let him, you were sure he was going to steal your heart.

And so you took a deep breath. “I think I should go,” you said, biting your lip. “Thank you, for everything. For tonight. I had such an amazing time—”

He shook his head. “The night’s not over yet, Susie. I haven’t kept my promise.”

You gazed at him, your lips parted in confusion.

“I promised you would forget about your breakup. And you haven’t, have you?”

You sighed in exasperation. “One evening isn’t going to make me just forget. It’s not that simple.” Baekhyun stuffed his hands into his hoodie. “Build a snowman with me,” he said suddenly, apparently completely disregarding your previous words.

You gaped at him. “What? No way.”

“I’ll drop you home right after. Build a snowman with me.”

You were at a loss for words. “Baekhyun, I—”

But then he was taking your hand and pulling you with him, across the road and into the children’s park, the grass now covered with a thin layer of snow.

“I don’t even have gloves,” you sputtered, staring at him as crouched down to scoop up a ball of snow with his bare hands. “Gloves are for losers,” he replied, and then and there you realized that anyone who fell for this guy would be whisked away on a crazy flurry of emotions, leaving them breathless and craving more.

It felt risky, but promising, It felt like something you wanted.

And so you let out a breath and crouched down next to him, gasping as the cold snow stung your palms, turning them a shade of red. “If I get frostbite...” you murmured, shivering a little. “I’m going to kill you.”

Baekhyun only laughed at this, and proceeded to pile up the snow into a heap, forming the bottom half of the snowman. “Find me some branches, will you?”

You shook your head, but did it anyway, poking Baekhyun in the side with one of the branches before sticking it into the snowman. “And now for his head!”

Ten minutes later, your hands felt as though they were going to fall off, but the snowman was complete, with small stones for his eyes and smile. 

“That is...the ugliest snowman I have ever seen,” you said finally, and couldn’t help but start laughing as Baekhyun’s eyes widened in offense. But seeing you laugh, he began to grin, and soon enough, both of you were doubling over in laughter, your cheeks tinted pink from the cold.

“My fingers are freezing,” he whined, and before you could fathom what was happening, he was intertwining both of his hands with yours. You gasped at the contact, the chill from his palms spreading onto your equally cold ones. “There,” he said softly, gazing into your eyes. “They already feel warmer.”

Your lips parted as you looked at him, the snowflakes in his hair, his nose tinged cherry red by the cold wind. “Susie...I really want to kiss you right now,” he murmured. “But if you don’t want me to, I won’t.”

You swallowed, not taking your eyes off him. Four hours ago, you had been gloomy and hating life. Four hours ago, the boy in front of you had been a stranger. But he had managed to make you smile, make you laugh, when you’d thought you wouldn’t be able to for a long time. Not with your broken heart.

Maybe you weren’t thinking straight when you leaned into him, softly pressing your lips to his warm ones. Maybe the snow had frozen your brain, and that’s why rationality had left you.

But maybe, a part of you hoped that this cute bartender would be able put the pieces of your broken heart back together, slowly, but surely.

When you broke away, Baekhyun looked a little stunned. “Can I make you another promise?” he said a little breathlessly. “If I promise to somehow make you fall in love with me, would you believe it?”

You smiled.

You knew it was a promise he was going to keep.

A/N: Merry Christmas everyone!!❄️ 

[babylon-bitch]

Just Friends ~ If This Is Love, Then Fuck It (part 42)

A/N: FUCK AND IM SO SORRY

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?

***

I come home for Christmas break today, instead of flying out to England, everyone is flying out to Australia this year. We’ve only done it this way two or three times before, everyone just wanted a bit of Sun. Most of my family is already out there, it’s just Josh, Angus, Evie, and I that are yet to fly out. We’ve landed, just waiting to be picked up by our parents.

I’ve been busy as fuck recently, do you know how hard it is to balance a social life and have lectures most days? Sure, when I was home the boys, girls, and I hung out all the time, but it was just different, we didn’t really do much, just ate, layed around, and insulted each other. With my friends back at university, we don’t exactly do much, but we all have different interests and get along really well, so we have weird chats about a mixture of things.

In my friend group I have Tori, Izzy, Juliet, Blake and all of his friends. Blake and I surprisingly get along really well, we had a lecture together and we talked a lot. Then Tori, Izzy, and I got invited to a party that one of Blake’s friend’s was hosting, we ended up in the ‘popular kids’ circle, where we met Juliet. She is the host’s girlfriend and I sat next to her, we hit it off really well, that’s basically my friend group now. Never thought I’d be friends with some of the biggest fuckboys. Who am I kidding? I’m best friends with Calum Hood.

My relationship with them all, besides the girls of course, can be flirty at times. I don’t return it, because I’m kinda taken by the love of my life. I just laugh it off, throw an insult, put them down, you name it. I’ve flirted back a couple of times but it’s all just jokes. They do know I’ve got a boyfriend, so they don’t go all hard-core. You see these people and you think they are gonna be the biggest dicks or so self centred, but they are actually some of the nicest guys I’ve ever met. They’re definitely not your stereotypical fuckboys, sure, they can be cocky as fuck or dicks, but not all the time, most of the time they are really caring, nice, kind, and funny.

We all get on really well and I couldn’t ask for any better friends. Now I know what you are thinking, what about the boys and the girls? We are still really close, drifted apart a little bit but we usually talk everyday. Luke hasn’t talked to me as much as we used to but I can understand that because he has been so busy.

There were a load of paparazzi pictures of Luke and another girl holding hands, coming out of a club. I confronted him about it, he just said she needed a ride home and was so drunk, so he helped her. I took his words and let it go because it seems like something he’d do.

I’m so excited to see my best friends again, you have no idea. I was a little sad to say goodbye to my friends but I gave them all a hug, before I was on my merry way.

“Mummy!” Josh, Angus, and I shriek as we spot our mum.

“Daddy!” Evie shrieks as she sees her dad.

“My babies.” She grins and pulls us each into an individual embrace. “I’ve missed you so much.” She tells me.

“I missed you too.” I smile.

“Where is everyone else?” Josh asks.

“They’re at home, it’s just me and Mark.” She explains.

“Can we go home? I really wanna see Luke.” I beg.

“Love you too.” She laughs.

“Mum,” I whine, “it takes an hour to get home from here, I need to see my friends.” I pout.

“Suck a dick Harper,” Angus laughs and pushes me towards the airport doors.

We make our way towards the car, adrenaline pumping through my veins.

“I’m so nervous” I state.

“Why? You should be happy.” Josh says.

“I know, I don’t know why I’m nervous.” I sigh.

“Maybe because you’ve got a new boyfriend called Blake.” Angus purposely says it a little louder so my mum can definitely hear him.

“I thought you were with Luke Harper?” My mum asks and I sigh.

“I’m gonna shove this pen so far up your ass, Angus.” I mutter. “I am mum, Angus is just being a dick. Blake is one of my friends from uni.” I explain.

“Oh, okay, is he cute?” She looks at me through the mirror.

“Um, what?”

“Is he cute? Could you see Evie with him?” She questions.

“What the fuck, mum? I’m not gonna let him near Evie, he’s not exactly one for relationships.” I answer.

“Honestly, is he hot though.” Evie asks.

“There is someone called Luke, you know,” I say. “Do you wanna see a picture of him?” I question with a sigh.

“Finally,” Josh cheers.

I pull my phone out of my bra then go on my camera roll, looking at the picture we took past nights. “Here,” I pass my phone to Evie.

“Holy shit, you actually know this guy?” She questions,

“Geez, Harper, you should really hop on that.” Angus laughs.

“Do you guys not like Luke or something?” I ask.

“Of course, but like, have you seen him?” Josh says.

Yeah, I have. I’m not gonna deny that’s he’s hot.

“Luke, my boyfriend for nearly a year in January.” I cry out.

“I’m sorry, Harper. We’ll stop, you already have a hot boyfriend.” Evie apologises.

“Key word- my boyfriend.” I tell her.

“Who would you pick Evie? Blake or Luke?” Angus questions.

“Well Harper already has Luke, so sister-code and all that so, I’d have to go with Blake. Though, Luke is some fine piece of ass.” Evie says.

“This conversation is over, Luke is mine, you guys can have Blake, but he is one of the biggest fuckboys ever, so feel free to get your heart broken.”

It’s a while later now and we are coming up to our road. I’m so excited to see my people’s. Everyone is at our house, all the guys, the girls, and all of our family that made it over.

My mum parks the car, and Josh jumps out, me following, then Evie slams the door behind us. Angus comes out of the front seat, closing his door at the same time as my mum, causing it to make a loud bang. Mark parks his car on the curb, the sound of David Bowie filling my ears. “Oh my God, he’s so cringy.” Evie mutters her face in her palm.

“Holy shit, it’s so hot.” I whine and unzip my hoodie.

“You ready to go in?” Mum asks us.

“Uh, yeah.” I nod.

We walk in and I take in the familiar scent of vanilla, nothing has really change but it just seems weird to be here again.

“Everyone is in the garden.” Mark informs.

I glance out of the kitchen window and see the familliar quiffed hair. Walking out of the back door and into the garden, looking at all the decorations that have been put up. Fairy lights are hung up, some in the trees, for some reason a load of balloons have been blown up, they are amusing the little ones.

I see all the boys and girls talking and laughing together. Luke turns his head, just taking a look at everything, when suddenly we make eye contact, causing a huge grin to appear on both of our faces.

“Go get him, Blake has nothing on him.” Evie tells me.

I run up towards him and throw myself at him, Luke instantly catches me, nuzzling his face into my neck, I wrap my legs around his waist, nuzzling my face into his neck. I wrap my arms around his neck, whilst he has one hand on my waist, and the other on my thigh. Luke places a few kisses on my neck before we pull back and look at each other. Luke has something weird lurking in his eyes but I look past it, because I’m finally seeing my boyfriend again.

“You’re actually here.” He whispers and I nod with tears in my eyes. “Don’t cry, baby girl.” He smiles.

“I’ve missed you so much,” I tell him and wipe away the few tears that fell.

Luke presses his lips to mine, something I’ve been craving for months. Our lips move together slowly, full of passion. Usually I’d try and decline a kiss from Luke if we were around family, but that’s probably the last thing on my mind right now.

Luke licks my bottom lip and I gladly let him in, we explore each others mouths for the first time in months, and damn does it feel good.

“I love you.” Luke tells me as we pull apart.

“Love you too,” I repeat back in a heartbeat and I always will.

“I know you are in love and all that, but I kinda missed Harper too.” Michael interrupts us, making me chuckle.

“I’ll be with you in a minute.” I tell Luke and give him a quick kiss.

He lets go of me and I walk over and hug all of my bestfriends. “I’ve missed you all so much.” I tell them.

“Looks like you’ve already moved on though,” Maddie mutters.

“Shut the fuck up or I will actually move on.” I threat.

“Woah, period Harper is here again.” Maddie teases.

“No, I finished that a couple days ago.” I inform her.

“Oh, thank God.” Luke says.

“Yes!” Ashton and Luke high five.

I ignore them and go and say hello to everyone else, which fucking hell, I didn’t know I knew so many people.

“Could I have your attention everyone?” I hear the familiar voice of my dad.

“No, my attention is not on you.” Angus shouts.

“I will disown you,” he tells him, causing us all to laugh. “Moving on. Could I have my beautiful girlfriend up here?” He asks.

“That sounds so weird, considering their age.” Michael speaks up and I nod my head in agreement.

I lean my head back on Luke’s chest, as he wraps his arms around my form, giving my head a kiss.

I watch as my mum walks up to my father, a small smile adorning her face. He greets her with a kiss on the cheek.

“Holy shit.” I gasp.

All of sudden my dad gets down on one knee, pulls out a red velvet box and opens up, reavealing a beautiful ring. It looks like the one she used to wear on her finger before they had a huge fight.

I remember the fight, I had just gotton out of the shower, I looked down the stairs and saw my mother and father. They were screaming at each other, then suddenly she rips the ring off her finger, throwing it at him, then walking out the door. I burst into sobs, but had to cover my mouth in case he heard me, and then I ran into my room, before calling Luke.

“Woah, babe, why is your heart beating so fast?” Luke quietly asks and removes his hand from my heart.

“I’m not really sure…” I trail off.

He does the whole speech, whilst my mind goes back on memories of the many fights they had.

I’m happy that they are gonna do this, I love them and all, but I just can’t help my mind going back to all the dreadful and terrifying memories.

“So Sarah, will you marry me, again?” He questions.

“Of course, Andrew.” She nods and wipes away some tears.

He takes the ring out of the box, gingerly slipping it onto her finger, they stand up and give eachother a kiss, before hugging. Everyone claps and cheers for them.

I try to suppress an eye roll that came from no where.

“You okay?” Luke whispers into my ear.

“Uh, yeah.” I nod.

“Harper, you’re like an open book to me. You’re not okay.” He says.

“Umm, uh…”

“You’re scared aren’t you, why are you scared?” He asks.

“I guess, I’m worried that it’s gonna happen all again.” I admit.

“It’ll be fine, I promise, if they do start again, you’ll always have me.” He smiles but there is something about his smile that seems off.

“Are you alright?” I ask.

“Yeah, why?” He asks.

“You seem a little off.” I tell him.

“I’m fine, don’t worry.” He kisses me.

“Okay.” I shrug and give him another kiss.

Luke and I go up towards the newly engaged couple. “Congratulations, mum and and dad.” I grin and go hug them.

“Thank you, dear.” My mum smiles.

***

“LUKE!” I scream as he tackles me into the pool, him coming with me.

Resurfacing and spitting water out of my mouth. “Yeah, babe?” He innocently asks and pulls me towards him.

“I hate you, I wasn’t ready to jump in yet.” I pout.

“Sorry, baby.” He kisses my pout.

I wrap my legs around his waist, causing his hands to go to my ass. “You’re forgiven,” I smile and squish his cheeks together.

“You guys are so cute it makes me want to put my hand in a blender.” Ashton says.

“What the fuck?” I laugh.

“You’re really cute.” Luke tells me.

“What do you want?” I sigh.

“What do you mean?” He questions.

“You only call me cute when you want something,” I inform him.

“Am I not allowed to call my girl cute?” He asks.

“Whatever,” I smirk.

“I mean, you’re more hot than cute right now to be honest.” Luke laughs.

“Because you can see my cleavage?” I question.

“Pretty much.” He nods with a laugh.

“To think you were actually giving me a complement.”

“You know I think you’re beautiful.” He smiles and gives me a kiss.

Unexpectedly, the kiss gets pretty heated, it’s slow and passionate.

It’s Christmas day, nothing has really kicked off yet. We’ve only opened our presents and that’s it. We’re all waiting for Christmas lunch/dinner, which will be in an hour or so, we all decided to some it at our house this year. Luke slept round last night, then his family came over at around 8 o'clock. Most of my family have gone to a hotel not that far away, we’ve only got one spare bedroom and my grandparents are staying in there.

Erika, Maddie, Ashton, Calum and Michael are over right now, only for a little bit before they go home and finish off their Christmas with their own families. We’re just chilling by the pool or sun bathing.

Erika and Maddie are sitting at the edge, dangling their feet in whilst they talk to each other. Calum, Michael, and Ashton are swimming and messing around together, although Ashton is on his phone whilst in the pool, which with past experience; is not very wise.

Luke presses my back up against the side of the pool, removing a hand from my ass, to my hair. Luke begins to trail kisses down my neck and I lean to the side to give him more access.

“Alright, we don’t need to watch you guys fuck, we’ve got Maddie and Erika for our porn subscription.” The voice of Calum hood interrupts us.

“At least I’m getting some.” I tell him.

“Shut the fuck up, Harper.” He yells.

“Love you.” I say in a sickly sweet voice.

“You’re in for it, White.” Calum threats and flicks water at me, causing me to squeal.

Soon enough, Calum and I are in a war. I pick up a water gun from the side of the pool and I start spraying Calum. Luke turns his back on me and passes Calum the other one, making me spray Luke.

“I’m defenceless!” He cries out.

I make my way out of the pool, only to feel Luke’s arms wrap around my waist, causing me to scream.

“Luke!” I giggle.

“Yes, baby?” He ask and kisses my neck.

“Get off me.” I beg.

“Not a chance.” He smirks and sweeps me off my feet, running towards the pool again.

“No, no, no, no, NO! Luke, please! I’ll do anything for you!” I plead.

“Anything?” He questions holding me above the water.

“Yes, anything.”

“Promise you’ll never break up with me?” He asks.

“Why would I break up with you?” I question.

“I don’t know.” He shrugs.

“I promise I’ll never break up with you if you promise to not throw me in, so put me down.” I promise.

“I promise, thank you.” He grins and puts me back down on the ground. All of a sudden Luke pushes me into the pool.

So much for promises.

“I’m breaking up with you!” I declare as I resurface.

“What? No, you can’t do that.” He whines.

Luke dives in, splashing me in the process. “You can’t break up with me, you promised to never break up with me!” He states.

“You promised not to throw me in.” I tell him.

“I didn’t throw you in though.” He claims.

“Whatever, we’re over.” I inform him.

“Babe!” He pouts.

Luke proceeds to try and kiss me but I don’t kiss him back. “I have a boyfriend.” I tell him.

“Damn right you do.” He says.

“Here he comes, hey Michael! Babe, come and defend me, I’ve got a weird creep trying to hit on me.” I call do Michael.

“No! I’m your boyfriend.” He moans and drop he and down on my shoulder.

“Could you please not touch my girlfriend,” Michael asks Luke.

“Nooooooo, Harper,” he groans. “If Michael was your boyfriend, could he do this?” Luke questions and puts his hands on my boobs, causing me to burst out laughing.

“Okay, I’ll take you back,” I smile and place my hands over his hands, which are still on my boobs. “You don’t have to hold them anymore, Luke.” I inform him.

“Kinda like holding them to be honest.” He shrugs and gives them a squeeze before holding my neck and kissing me instead.

It’s a while later now and I’m currently texting in the group chat, not the originals, but my uni friends.

Me: my parents got engaged the other day

Blake: only recently?

Me: they were married but got a divorce when I was 15, it’s a long story.

Tyler: so you want me to go with you as a date? Geez, didn’t think I was gonna meet the parent’s just yet. 😏

Me: no, I’m gonna take my boyfriend, you dick.

Izzy: who’s your boyfriend Harper?

It’s become an inside joke between us all, I think they know I’m dating Luke but I’ve never admitted it. Luke doesn’t even know how much he is talked about.

Me: I’m not going into this today

Blake: Harper, Michael Clifford didn’t post any pictures of you and Luke Hemmings did he? Nor did Ashton Irwin post videos of you guys practically fucking with him making a funny voice over?

“Irwin! Clifford!” I scold.

Me: nope

Tori: strange 🙊

Me: I hate you guys :(

I send a picture of me pouting then put my phone down, before crawling onto Luke’s lap.

***

It’s a couple of days later now and Luke and I are currently in my room just messing around.

“When do you go on tour again?” I ask.

“A week tomorrow.” He answers and trails his fingers tips up my thigh.

“Do you have to go?” I pout.

“Kinda, yeah,” he nods with a laugh. “Anyway you’ve got school to go to, across the world.” He points out and kisses my pout.

“Why can’t we just live in Hawaii together?” I whine and roll onto my back.

“You’ve never been,” Luke laughs and straddles my hips.

“It could be even more magical then, like it’s the first time I’ve ever gone and also the last place.” I explain.

“That’s a bit depressing to be honest,” he notes as he kisses my neck.

“You would think that.” I tell him.

“Just shut up, babe.” He laughs against my neck, causing me to shudder.

“Why?” I question, raising an eyebrow, even though he can’t see my face, as his face is buried in my neck.

“I’m trying to set the mood and I don’t know about you, but talking about Hawaii isn’t turning me on.” He informs as he sucks on the base of my throat.

“Who said this is gonna go further?” I tease.

“You know damn well that this is gonna go further than just a lil’ make out. Anyway, I’m Luke Hemmings, I’m trying to understand why your clothes are still on.” He lifts his head up, just so he can give me a smirk.

“Subtle,” I nod and reach for my t-shirts’ hemline.

“Do you actually want to do this? I mean, your family is right below us.” Luke asks.

“We did it yesterday.” I state.

“Yeah and nearly got walked in on by your aunt Lauren, Angus, and Reuben! I had to lay on top of you and pretend we were sleeping.” He exclaims.

“There’s food and Gavin and Stacy going on, they won’t come up here.” I tell him.

“If we get walked in on, I’m breaking up with you.” He says.

“Deal.”

Luke takes his shirt off, throwing it to the side and dives to my now exposed chest. He seems a little apprehensive about it.

I play with the hair on the back of his head, cauing him to groan in pleasure when I tug on it because he sucked on a sweet spot.

Luke trails down my stomach and rubs circles on my hips with his thumbs.

As he gets to the waistband of my jeans, he freezes.

“What’s up?” I question.

“Uh, n-nothing,” he stutters and unbuttons my jeans.

I shrug it off and lay my head back on the pillows.

“I can’t do this anymore.” He whispers and does my jeans up again, before crawling off me and sits on the edge of my bed.

“Luke, what’s wrong?” I question and scoot towards him.

“Uh, I can’t do this to you any more.” He says and passes me my shirt.

We both put our shirts on again and I watch Luke intently.

“Luke, what’s going on?” I question, my voice filled with worry.

“Uh, just kiss me and make it special.” He tells me.

“What?” I question.

Luke just walks towards me and presses me against the wall. He gently places his lips onto mine and ever so lightly holds my waist. Luke works his lips against mine, agonisingly slowly. He gingerly slides his tongue into my mouth, our tongues mingle together before he pulls apart from me. I open my eyes and meet his tear filled ones.

“Come with me,” he says.

I follow him out of my door, down the stairs, and into the garden. My heart is racing, hands slightly shaking, and my palms are sweating.

Luke leads me towards the trampoline and climbs on it with me following. We lay down, facing the scorching Australian Sun.

“You gonna tell me what your mini breakdown was for?” I question.

“I’m so sorry, so fucking sorry.” He sobs.

“Luke, just spit it out.” I sigh.

“I-I ha-, no, when we were on tour, we went out one night, and I fucked shit up for us. I’m sorry, I’m so fucking sorry for what I did, I can never forgive myself, I broke so many promi-”

“Luke, just tell me what you did,” I cut him off, tears forming in my eyes.

“I cheated on you.” He blurts out.

Just like that, my world comes crashing down. It’s like playing Jenga, you stupidly take out the wrong block and the whole tower of blocks come tumbling down. You could of easily taken an easier and different brick, but no, you had to take the fucked up one, the trickiest, the non convenient one, the most heart breaking one.

“Are you okay?” I ask

“What?” He questions, his voice breaking as he speaks.

“You’ve been hiding this secret for quite a while, by the looks of it. I could see something was eating you up, but I just looked past it. I don’t like when things do that to you.” I explain.

“Don’t Harper this situation.” He gives me a pointed look.

“Why’d you do it?” I ask, tears streaming down my face.

“I don’t know, I know it’s not an excuse but I was drunk, I was craving comfort from you. So a girl came onto me, I was drunk, horny, was needing your comfort, so I just took the closest thing, then it ended up here. I’m so sorry, Harper.” He explains.

“So your needs ruined this relationship?” I question, a sob following after.

“Yeah, I’m sorry, it meant nothing to me. Please forgive me,” he begs.

“Forgive you? You just broke my heart with four words, did this past year mean nothing to you? Or these past eighteen years? Luke, our one year anniversary is coming up in two days!” I exclaim.

“I’m sorry, Harper, I really am.” He sobs.

“Sorry doesn’t cut it, Luke. How could you? Do I mean nothing to you? You promised me, I put my trust in you.” I cry.

“You mean the world to me, h-”

“Obviously not enough to your drunken state,” I cut him off.

“Harper, you need to understand me.” He begs.

“Why should I, Luke?” I spit.

“We love each other, you and I go together so well. I fucked up, I a-admit that, I’m sorry, I feel awful, you put your trust in me and I tore it into a million pieces, I broke our promises, I’ve wrecked everything, and it’s one thing that I-I’ll never forgive myself for and regret. Harp, I’m s-sorry, I’ll do anything for you, just understand that I’m sorry.”

“Love each other? Luke, you fucking cheated on me, you love me so much! You may be sorry, that doesn’t do anything.” I raise my voice through my tears. “The only thing you can do is leave me.”

***

“Harper! Luke!” I hear the voice of Lily squeal.

Luke and I have been arguing for a couple of hours now, I’ve gone through so many tears and sobs. I’m hurting so much, how could he do such a thing? I’m his best friend.

“Hello.” I try and greet with a happy voice.

“Hi!” She grins and climbs onto the trampoline with us.

“Why are you both crying?” She asks.

“We’re crying of laughter, you see, Luke made a joke saying that he loved me, and I believed him and put my trust in him.” I tell her whilst glaring at Luke.

“Harper,” Luke warns and leans his head on one of the poles that’s holding up the netting.

“What, Luke? Afraid of the truth?” I question.

“I don’t see how that’s funny.” Lilly says.

“Me either, Lilly,” Luke agrees.

“Lilly!” The sound of Lauren’s voice fills my ears.

“Yes, mummy?” She asks.

“Come on, leave Luke and Harper alone, they have some stuff to sort out.” She says and walks towards up.

“But I want to play with Luke and the trampoline.” She whines and I cough to get her attention.

“Maybe later, come on.” She nods her head towards the house, with her arms out.

“Fine, I’ll see you later.” Lilly pouts and waves.

Lauren gives me a sympathetic smile before walking off with Lilly on her hip.

Everyone that’s in the house knows that we’re arguing, mainly because we were shouting/screaming at each, I also saw a few of them in the kitchen window, from the corner of my eye, that was when it was a deafening silence and we were both crying.

I think anyone is a three mile radiance heard us.

“I don’t know what to say Luke, out of all the people in the world, I would’ve least expected it from you.” I tell him.

“Me too. I know I’ve said it a million times, but I mean it, I’m sorry and I regret it so much. I don’t even remember her name.” He sighs.

I roll my eyes at his response and play with a loose thread in my jeans.

“So this is it?” I ask.

“I think so.” Luke nods.

“We couldn’t prevent it Luke, you brought this on yourself.” I say.

“I know, please don’t be broken, you don’t deserve it, I’m not worth it. You’re right, I brought this on myself, I regret it. Maybe if we’re meant to be we’ll meet again some time.” He sighs.

“I guess this is what you get if you date a rockstar.” I bitterly chuckle.

“I’m so fucking sorry, Harper.”

If this is love, then fuck it, I don’t want it anymore

[foodgemsg]

https://ift.tt/2YpHUew Read on our visit to Christmas Dinner Ideas 2019 by FoodGem

Edge at Pan Pacific Singapore

Enjoy a feast of luxury proportions with a festive buffet at Edge Pan Pacific Singapore. An extensive selection of fresh seafood including Boston Lobster, Alaskan King Crab, Giant Barbecued Squid, Citrus Marinated Whole Salmon Fillet, Giant Barbecued Squid and more. Feast to your heart’s content on succulent roasts and festive treats including Pineapple and Honey Glazed Bone-in Gammon Ham, Eight Spices Roasted Whole Turkey, Christmas Bread Pudding with Stuffed Pistachios and Dried Fruits, Christmas Stollen, Black Forest Log Cake and more! Festive takeaway are also available at Pacific Marketplace. Indulgence gourmet roasts selections that you may crave like new Baked Tamarind Turkey, Roasted Australian Wagyu Beef Striploin, Signature Honey-glazed Ham. Add a dose of child-like wonder to the season with Giant Christmas Tree with Mendiants and Pralines, Homemade Gingerbread House, Hazelnut Chocolate Tart, Jivara Milk Chocolate Pear William and Caramel Nut Log Cake and more!

Buffet Lunch starting from S$62++ per adult Buffet Dinner starting from S$98++ per adult.

Available from now to 1st December 2019.

Edge at Pan Pacific Singapore

7 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square Singapore 039595

Cocobolo Poolside Bar + Grill at Park Hotel Clarke Quay

Make this year extra special for you and your loved ones with a view of Robertson Quay skyline while overlooking the luxurious pool. A hearty spread of classic festive buffet like appetisers and soup, salad bar, live carving station, grilled bbq meat and seafood and desserts. The highlight of the buffet spread definitely goes to the alluring grilled station featuring bbq dishes like Paprika and Harissa Arrow Squids, Red Curry Spice Tiger Prawn, Lemon Dill Snapper in Foil, Lamb Rack with Whole Grain Mustard, Rosemary Pork Belly with Cajun Spices, Turmeric & Spices Chicken Fillet, Angus Beef with Herbs and Assorted Gourmet Sausages.

BBQ Buffet is available on 20, 21, 24, 27, 28 and 31 December 2019, from 6.30 PM to 10.30 PM, prices starting from S$78++ per adult, inclusive of free-flow soft drinks and Magnum ice cream.

Cocobolo Poolside Bar + Grill at Park Hotel Clarke Quay

1 Unity Street, Singapore 237983

Novotel Singapore on Stevens

Novotel Singapore on Stevens and Mercure Singapore on Stevens will be presenting a line up of merry feasts and delights in their restaurants and bars for this coming Christmas.

Tuck into the festive buffet offerings at Food Exchange, offering both festive and local flavors. The all-time favourite festive addition to its buffet spread includes traditional roasted turkey, honey baked ham, log cakes and other Christmas desserts.

Celebrate your Christmas in other restaurants that also offer festive additions include Winestone’s Wine Dinners, L’aperitif’s High Tea or even have a private party hosted in a private dining room within the hotel.

Check out the annual sustainable Christmas fair held in collaboration with Club Artisans by The Expat Fairs on 7 – 8 Dec from 12.30 pm – 7.00 pm at Winestone too.

Festive lunch buffet starting from S$56++ per adult. Festive dinner buffet starting from S$82++ per adult.

Reviewed by Alvin

Novotel Singapore on Stevens

28 Stevens Road, Singapore 257878

Ramada and Days Hotels by Wyndham Singapore at Zhongshan Park

Ramada and Days Hotels by Wyndham Singapore at Zhongshan Park offer diners a chance to dine by the natural environment of Zhongshan Park this festive season! (Weekend Dinner on Fridays and Saturdays.)

Indulge in its Pre & Post-Festive Feasts with an ensemble of Mediterranean creations which include the classic offerings Slow Roasted Brined Whole Turkey with nuts stuffing, apple compote and cranberry sauce, Prime Beef Rib-Eye in Cajun Spiced Rub as well as Squid Ink Seafood Paella.

The highlighted desserts this season would be the chocolate Yule Logs, Chef’s signature Durian Pengat and Christmas Bread and Butter Pudding with raisins and cranberries in vanilla sauce.

Don’t forget to prepare your own sangria to cheers for Christmas or the upcoming New Year at the DIY virgin sparkling sangria station!

Festive Lunch Buffet starting from S$36++ per adult. Festive Dinner Buffet starting from S$42++ per adult.

Reviewed by Alvin

21 Jalan Rajah Ramada and Days Hotels by Wyndham Singapore at Zhongshan Park

18 Ah Hood Road, #03-51, Singapore 329983

M Hotel

Cafe 2000 is another dazzling place to busk and celebrating over the festive season. Enjoy the must have traditional roast turkey marinated with honey and grained mustard sauce as well the the lovely honey baked ham. Meat lovers like myself would probably go for their Bockwurst Garlic Chicken Sausages that was served with tangy Orange Marmalade and Pineapple sauce.

Meat aside, indulge in the Christmas fantasy of their Signature Cempedak with Coconut Flakes Log Cake which was lighter in taste as compared to Rum and Raisin Chocolate Log Cake. The taste of rum was bursting with every bite into the raisins itself. Another Christmas dessert you may want to check out would be the Grand Marnier Fruit Bundt which chef came out with. Rich, delicious and decadent, much like the drink it is inspired by.

The sumptuous buffet includes the usual seafood-on-Ice, international favourites as well seafood which could be selected and BBQ ala minute! 

For those who would like to takeaway festive must-haves and hand-crafted confectionaries, do check them out as the availability for takeaways is from 1 December – 23 December. 

Reviewed by Alvin

Cafe 2000 at M Hotel

81 Anson Rd, Singapore 079908

Morganfield

You would probably want to consider Morganfield’s for a meaty feast this Christmas as they have released a menu available for both dine-in as well as take away pre orders.

The dine-in highlights would probably be the 2 NEW Sticky Bones – Cranberry Baby Back Ribs and Hazelnut Baby Back Ribs. Both proved to be a refreshing Christmasy touch this season, available in half or full slab, served with French fries and coleslaw.

For a table with bigger pax, the Morgan’s Christmas Feast includes half slab of both the Cranberry and Hazelnut Baby Back Ribs, Crackling Roast Pork, Gammon Ham, Garden Salad, Roasted Potatoes, Cornbread, Grilled Corn, Roasted Cauliflower and Roasted Pumpkin.

The Barbeque Beef Rib (Half Rack) glazed with signature Hickory BBQ sauce that could serve up to 2 pax was juicy and tender due to hours of slow cooking.

End your meal with their Black Forest Lava Cake topped with dark cherry sauce and a scoop of ice cream or toast with a huge glass of Somersby Summer Punch. (Non alcoholic version would be the Christmas Fruit Tea.)

Contact them for take away pre orders.

This special Christmas menu will be available from 11 November 2019 to 1 January 2020.

Reviewed by Alvin.

Morganfield Islandwide

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