Midnight\\C.H.

...26...

...One year later...

"Sorry," I exclaim, tripping over someone's dog leash as I attempt to wrangle my own puppy, a small fluffy pure white Pomeranian-Maltese mix.

She runs and yips at a small older fluffy grey dog with black ears that makes me stop in my tracks, my eyes following the leash gripped in the tattooed hand I know all too well. My eyes travel up and land on the deep dark chocolate brown eyes that still seem to make my heart skip.

"Lotti?" Calum says, a pleased smile curling on his lips.

"Hi, I didn't recognize you," I smile breathily, gesturing to his bleached blond hair before I look down at Duke licking my puppy. "Oh hi Duke," I coo, bending down to give him a sweet pet and my little puff ball wiggles as she licks my hand.

"How are you?" Calum asks as I pick up my little rascal.

"I'm okay," I say honestly but smile at him, "You?"

"Great," he grins at me, his handsome face different but still the same.

"Yeah you just got back from tour with The Chainsmokers, right?"

"Yeah I did," he nods.

"And you won another ARIA," I beam at him.

"Yeah," he laughs, "and you," he pauses, looking into my eyes before he looks down, "got a puppy."

I laugh, knowing Ash has been keeping him filled in on my life, but he doesn't want to admit it, "Yeah. The condo was too quiet after Miles left."

"I'm sorry," he adds, knowing I'm not stupid and I know he knows.

"It's okay," I look at him, "We had too many unrealistic expectations of each other. And he finally admitted he could never fully trust me. I guess neither of our hearts were really in it in the end."

"That's too bad," he frowns at me before bending down to pick up Duke.

"Really," I nod, reaching out to pet Duke and smiling as he closes his eyes in relaxation, "it's okay."

"Well I'm glad you're okay then."

I look up at him, his eyes so warm and kind, different from the last time I saw him glaring at Mikey, "Thank you."

"Of course," he stares at me, his gaze giving me butterflies before his eyes linger on my lips, stopping my heart and then he looks at me petting Duke and chuckles. "Wow, I think he missed you."

"I missed him terribly, too," I grin, petting him between the eyes as my own fur baby licks his nose and Calum's hand, making him lift his fingers to scratch under her chin. "Losing him was the worst deal of it all, you know," I jest, looking up at him with a playfully smirk.

"You seem to be managing," he jests back, giggling at my dog trying to climb over to him. "What's this little ones name?"

"Her name is Coconut, or Coco."

"Oh my God, she's the cutest thing ever," he coos in a baby voice and squats down so she can lick his cheeks and lips.

"I know right, I love her."

"Me too," he mutters through her kisses and looks up at me, "Hey, do you have time to get a coffee or some food and catch up?"

"I'd love to," I smile as he straightens back up.

"It's a bit chilly today to sit out with the pups. Mind if I make you some lunch at my place?"

"I'd love that," I beam, "assuming you have groceries that is."

He laughs as we walk towards the park exit that leads to his house, "Yes, I for sure do. I know I definitely have some soup in stock if not."

I giggle as I picture his cabinet by the stove full of soup cans, "Soup sounds great."

"Awesome," he smiles at me.

I walk beside him and feel it all rush back to me, the feelings I could ever fully depart with. He readjusts Duke and casually reaches down to grab my hand, the warmth seeping into my bones and rewarming my broken heart. I lean into him and rest my head on his shoulder, Coco licking at Duke and I know deep down in my heart he is ready to love my right. And if not, I'll take the chances I'm given, because I'm still desperately all his.