The Unexpected

14 || Reunited

(and it feels so good)

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The anticipation is killing me. The pain in my stomach is excessive. The smile on my face is similar to the Cheshire cat's.

My boys are home.

They're going to walk through the airport entrance any minute now. Their flight landed only fifteen minutes ago; I checked.

I'm sitting in the driver's seat of Luke's car, yet again. My iPhone is plugged into the aux cord and blasts my favorite song on repeat. I had completely forgotten about it when it came on to shuffle and it hasn't come off of repeat since. Charlotte absolutely loved it when I played it for her.

I'm attempting to find ways to entertain myself as I wait for the idiots who are taking longer than I thought they would. People watching got boring after twenty minutes, and I don't have any apps on my phone because I have negative storage. I decide to recline my seat and take a nap. It's such a beautiful day. I wish I wasn't wasting it at the airport terminal.

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Tap tap tap

The sound of someone knocking on the car window jolts me awake. I turn to look, and I see a dimpled boy smiling widely at me.

I jump out of the car and run towards the boys who drop their luggage instantly. I'm enveloped into a group hug, receiving multiple kisses on the top of my head from each of the excited faces looking down at me.

"We've got a surprise," Luke blurts, "but you can't have it yet."

"Well then what's the point of telling me about it you butt?" I say only slightly irritated. This is one of my many pet peeves, but I let it go because I've missed them so much.

"You can have it when we're back at the house!" Calum chimes in happily.

I agree to wait and pile into the backseat with Michael and Ashton. The fifteen minute ride is filled with even more stories of London and apologies for taking so long at the airport. There was a huge crowd of fans waiting to see them, and it took forever to get through them all.

The loud chatter of four voices talking at once is relaxing for some reason, and I sit back and look out my window as I soak in every word that's being said. A small smile grows on my face, and I feel a pair of eyes on me. I turn to see a pale haired Mikey watching me. Embarrassed, the boy tries to look away, but looks back at me for a second as I begin to play with his hair that will need to be dyed again soon.

When the car stops in front of Luke's house, everyone hurries through the front door because Liz has made food for their return again. The car doors are all left open, and their bags have been forgotten in the trunk. The male brain seems to shut off the minute food is mentioned. I go to shut the abandoned car, leaving the luggage for the boys to get later.

I begin towards the front door, but for some reason I decide to turn around and head home. I've suddenly lost any interest in socialization. I should probably tell someone that I'm leaving so they don't worry, but then they'd make me stay. I want to go home. I want a nap.

I'm only two streets over from Luke's when I hear the sound of footsteps pounding against the pavement at a fast pace. Someone running. I step to the side without looking to let the runner pass, but they don't. They stop running. They're standing next to me.

Fingers intertwine with mine, and I look at my hand. My eyes follow the arm up to its face. Michael.

"I'm not gonna bug you and ask you why. I'm just going to be quiet and walk with you, wherever you're going."

This one small statement has me silent.

He knows.

He cares.

He notices.

Michael has understood what people who knew me for years never did. This boy has seen right through my walls, and he gets that sometimes I need to detach from everything; from everyone. No questions asked.

I could kiss him. I could kiss him on his damn mouth right now, but I won't. But I want to. I want to kiss him so badly.

Our silence is pleasant. Our arms swing together, connected by our hands. His calloused fingers fitting between mine, his thumb making small circles on my thumb. Our relationship is not an ordinary one.

My whole being hopes and prays that we aren't just a dalliance. I don't want this to be a casual nothing.

I love him. I know I do.

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A/N

Hecka short update but I'm working on another right now. This chapter just felt like it should end here.

Sadly, Jack is not going away just yet. Ugh but Mikey's back and it makes my heart so happy.

Keep your lovely commenting and liking going! You all are incredible.

Skye's "favorite song" is in the side bar, give it a listen it's brilliant.

Lots of love.

Xx. Ash