Three Steps Back

40

Riley 

It's been a week since the showcase and it's the day James leaves for tour. It's a bitter sweet feeling, I couldn't be prouder that he's got the chance to do this but at the same time, there is this part of me that just doesn't want him to go.
The day he comes back, is a couple days before we are due to start back at The Academy, the few days we are meant to move into our new place

It's weird to think that in the time we've been dating, I've gone through two rooms without looking back

"I don't think I can say my line this time" James said making me turn to see him stood at the door
"Neither can I" I smiled watching as he walked over placing a gentle kiss on my lips
"It feels like we were doing not that long ago" James said placing his head on my shoulder as he hugged me from behind

"But hey, this is the last time" I said looking over at him
"Yeah it is, the moment I'm back.. I'm not letting you out of my sights again" He muttered placing a few soft kisses on my exposed neck

"You'll be stuck with me for good" He whispered into my ear making me smile
"I wouldn't want it any other way" I said turning in his arms to face him

I reached up placing both hands around his neck pulling him in close pressing our lips together
"I love you" I whispered against the kiss making James smile as we pulled away
"I love you most" He winked making me chuckled 

--

The car was loaded with the last of my boxes and Liam was already back by our side wanting to say his own good bye to James
"Don't be an idiot on tour, I'm not there to keep you boys in check" Liam said pointing to James
"Aye aye captain" He said saluting Liam

"But most importantly James, have fun. It isn't often that you get the chance to do something like that" Liam said making James smile before nodding 
"Alright well that's about all I've got to say" Liam chuckled before pulling James into one of their hugs, the one where they aren't quite hugs but they aren't exactly not hugs either 

"I'll meet you at home Riles?" Liam asked making me nod 
James wasn't due to leave for another half an hour to an hour. I wasn't going to waste any time by leaving early

We watched as the tour bus pulled up moments later which only solidified our time was limited
"I don't like this" James pouted making me chuckle as we took a seat on a nearby bench, my legs draped over James' as he leant back
"It's nothing we haven't conquered before. Only this time you're the one with the big plans" I said resting my head on his shoulder

"You know I'll only be a phone call away though right? Like no matter what I'll always answer" He said making me smile
"I know you will but it's your time to do this for yourself James, don't focus or fixate on me okay? I'll be fine, I'll be with Liam and Lynsey until Piper persuades me to go and visit" I said making him chuckle

"Yeah there is no getting out of that one, Piper is adamant on you coming down even if it's just for a week" He smiled
"How about this, I'll head down the week you get back, then when you get back from tour. You can meet me there? Then I can help you pack" I smiled

"Yeah I haven't even touched that" He said 

"Of course you haven't, we've been here the entire year" i reminded him earning nothing but an eye roll

"Yo James, it's time to hit the road!" Theo called making James turn to me with a saddened look on his face
"No frowns please" I winked making him chuckle 

We both started walking towards the tour bus before standing in front of the door
"Do you remember what we said at our first good bye?" I asked making James smile again
"You can call me anytime" He started
"Day or night" I smiled
"Sun or stars" He whispered before gently pressing his lips against mine

"I love you Ri" He said looking at me with the same subtle smile with a hint of sadness
"I love you more and I'll see you soon" I said making James sigh with a nod 

I watched as James got onto the bus taking a seat by the window overlooking where I stood, he smiled down at me before waving as the bus started to drive away
With in seconds, I was once again nothing but a small shadow on the side of the road 

As the bus disappeared, I looked down at my phone to see an old group chat blowing up. It was one that consisted of Oscar, myself and two people I didn't think I'd ever hear from again

'We'll be joining you both at The Academy next year! See you soon'

I read the message a few times before biting my lip
I will pray that nothing bad comes from this, I'm not the biggest fan on them coming after all Four is a crowd...0