Wrapped Around Your Finger\\M.C.

<<<seventeen>>>

<<<Michael>>>

Mikey picks his hat up off the floor of the white sparkling kitchen floor, remember her fingers sneaking under it as they ran into his hair. She smiles as she stands before him and tidies his hair underneath the cap, his eyes watching her elegant beauty while her eyes dart around his face. Her fingers brush over his forehead to correct a rebellious strand before grazing down the side of his face, her emerald eyes watching her fingertips on his light skin, still glowing from the rising sun.

His chest aches as his gaze leaves her jade pools and fixates on her small round lips, the texture of them permanently ingrained on his own and he wonders if he'll ever be able to kiss anyone again without comparing them to her. He grabs her jaw and sighs as his thumb traces over them, memorizing the deep color of them before she smiles again, and his chest throbs.

He bends down to kiss her just as his phone buzzes, the arrival of the uber shattering his soul and he swallows back the pain he feels. His heart pounds, each thump a wave of grief before he slams his mouth to hers, not sure how he is going to willingly walk away from this blessing. She kisses him back, her lips soft on his as her hands grab at him, reassuring him that she isn't ready to split either.

She smiles gently as she pulls away and rests her hand on his cheek, looking deep into his eyes, "I'm so grateful for you."

He releases a labored exhale and rests his forehead on hers, needing her sudden strength, "Me too. I don't know how to say goodbye."

"Maybe we shouldn't," she whispers, grabbing at his neck as her fingers play with his hair.

"Okay," he murmurs before he straightens and they head down stairs to put their shoes on.

They intertwine their fingers as she leads him to the front of the house, the view of a car solidifying the end of their romance and he turns to her, desperate for time to stop. His breath increases with despair as he brings her hand to his lips, rubbing the soft skin over them and cheeks as he closes his eyes, retaining the silky texture of her being to carry him on. His eyes burn as he opens them to find her staring heavy-hearted at him and her unique forest eyes glistening in the early morning light.

"I meant everything I said," he whispers, his voice shaking.

Her jaw trembles as she inhales, her heart fully broken, "Don't say it. Please."

He nods before he kisses her forehead, lingering his lips as he squints back the tears, pulling away with a sniffle. Her eyes flow over at the welling in his as his thumb glides over her cheek for the last time, praying she will never cry of a broken heart again. He bends down and kisses her lips, ensuring he leaves the love he feels for her behind to guide her forward into a successful and fulfilling future living her dream.

Her breath catches as he pulls away and steps back, a small smile on his face as he continues to walk backwards, their hands unlinking before they slip apart and he turns away. Her fingers run over the bracelet on her wrist as she watches him walk away and climb into the car. He turns back to her once the door shuts and waves with a smirk, her stomach flipping before her angel exits her life.

Micheal strolls down the hallway to their hotel room, his heart in confused turmoil as he hurts but also finds joy in his memories that replay in his mind. His mind constantly reruns the details of her eyes and the texture of her skin on his while he hopes, even begs the higher powers, that she will fight for her happiness and live a beautiful life. A smile curls on his lips as he promises the enticing beauty in his mind that he will do the same.

He quietly opens the door and enters into their room, greeted with Luke's loud snoring that makes him chuckle, instead of annoyed like it did only 24 hours ago. He finds Luke on his side next to Calum who sleeps peacefully regardless of the obnoxious sound and Ashton alone in the middle of the other bed with his head folded between a pillow. Mikey stares at his unconscious mates, recognizing the unique and incredibly special bond they share that no one else ever will. He sighs with exhaustion but sneaks over to the balcony, his mind not quite ready to stop thinking about her.

He stares at the horizon, smiling at how striking the new day appears as it greets him for another chance of opportunities and growth. His lungs breathe in the fresh air still smelling like the ocean and he thinks of her gentle smile on the beach. A light breeze blows over him and his eyes close, the imagery of her hair dancing over his face making him smile more before he hears the door to the balcony click. His eyes land on Ashton as he turns his head, a sleepy smile on his face before he leans on the railing next to him.

"You okay, mate?" Ashton asks, looking down at the scenery around them to take the pressure off his question.

Mikey grips the railing and leans back, smiling up at the light blue sky peaking through the pink as he answers, "Yeah. Yeah I am."

Ashton looks at him, enthralled by the brilliant smile on his friend's features, feeling his happiness as it radiates off of him. Mikey's smiles widens, exposing his front teeth before he adjusts his hat, his cheeks flushing as he reminisces over the brunette miracle that improved his life. Ashton smiles as he looks away, feeling like he's intruding on a something special and looks at the sky as it fades into blue, feeling deep relief in his friends revolution.

"Did you have a nice night?" Mikey asks, looking at Ashton.

"Ah, c'mon, man," Ashton waves his hand, "You know I don't kiss and tell."

"I know," Mikey nods, "But did you enjoy your time with Stacy?"

Ashton looks at him then, grateful for this transformation as he nods, "Yeah. She's pretty special. Did you enjoy your time with Sami?"

"Sami?" Mikey crinkles his nose and Ashton laughs.

"That's what Stacy calls her, I don't know."

Mikey laughs at Ashton's giggle as he puts his hands up, not wanting to offend, "Sam. To me she is Sam," Mikey says, looking down at his bracelets as he twists them, just saying her name making his body warm. "And yeah, I had a great night. I think the best night of my life. I didn't want to say goodbye."

"I'm sorry," Ashton says genuinely, resting his hand on Mikey's shoulder, knowing how difficult it can be to find wonderful people they can't carry on in life with and feeling the fresh sting of that after last night himself.

"No," Mikey shakes his head as he grins, looking out into the distance but at nothing in particular as his mind floods with her beautiful moonlit face, "I'm grateful."

Stunned, Ashton stares at him, seeing the authentic thanksgiving with him, making him overwhelmingly happy for Mikey as he replies, "That's great, man."

"Yeah," Mikey looks at him, appreciative for this man in his life who has always been a true friend and the main reason she was able to gift his existence. "Thank you."

Ashton smirks and looks away, his hazel eyes focusing on a palm tree in the distance, "I just want you to be okay."

"I am," Mikey ensures, feeling the deep relief and healing of knowing that he is going to be alright.