Forever and ever 2. The adventure starts now.

Part 54.

Tom's pov~

"Santa... has left this at our place." I handed him the gift, holding it outstretched in my hands for another good 5 seconds as he sat hesitantly on the sofa in a men's spread position with his arms crossed over his chest. The gift definitely not really doing something to him.
Yet he accepted it, and unwrapped it very slowly while I stood in front of him waiting for the reaction.
I really hoped he would like it, and that he might see it as an apology. After all, I really was sorry. I knew it was wrong of me to have stolen his drawing, and yet I would do it again and again the way I knew myself.

Finally, he held the wooden box in his hand, engraved with the brand from which the pencils came. Knowing what was inside was something only real experienced artists should know, but Paddy seemed to be one of them. He didn't have to open the box to know what was inside, instead he hovered the tips of his fingers over the engraving and slowly marvelled at the box.

It took him a good minute to realise that I had actually bought him the pens, which were the best on the market. But when he came back to his senses, he looked up at me, mouth ajar, which he quickly closed and tightened his jaw instead. He would never soften in a moment like this, not when he was actually angry with me.

His eyes were still narrowed in suspicion as he looked to the side into the kitchen and I followed his gaze to see Y/N quickly hopping away from the counter, pretending to be doing something other than having watched the two of us.

We had both seen it and had to stifle our laughter but it was easier for Paddy than me, not because Y/N wasn't his wife but because he still hadn't said anything and I was starting to feel dumb waiting for a stupid 'thank you'.

He waved the box back and forth as if it were a basketball, then put it on the cushion next to him and extended his hand for me to shake.
"Thank you." He said, and I accepted whatever I got. But to be honest, I had hoped for something more, not in words, but in action. I was kind of hoping for a hug... Just one where I knew he was still my little brother, and I his big brother, and not the 18 year old boy who was slowly starting to grow taller than me.

I was making up all these scenarios or perhaps even memories in my head when I forgot to let go of his hand because my eyes were so fixed on him. His hair, his freckles, his style. He had changed so much. I mean, his hair was now cut short, while mine grew. His freckles were not as bright as they used to be, his eyebrows were much thicker and his face was very prominent. Why had I never noticed it before? He was no longer a little boy.
"You're welcome." I replied and let go of his hand. Noticing how I started to sweat. My palms in particular.

His gaze began to wander down my face and I wondered why until I realised he was looking at the scar that was still left on my cheek. It had turned from blue to yellow but the yellow circle was starting to recede. At least something.

Hoped it would be gone in three weeks at the latest, because showing up on set with bruises was not something the directors and make-up artists were happy about.

I was still standing in front of Paddy, my thoughts slowly returning to myself as I began to look around the room.

There was no sign of Y/N since she had scurried away earlier, but I could see Sam cuddling with Lea in the corner of the room and grimaced at the sight.

"I don't like it either, if that helps you." Paddy said and when I looked at him, his eyes were on Sam and Lea too.
"What?" I asked.
"The two of them together. I think Sam is making a mistake." He explained, shrugging his shoulders casually.

That brought a smile to my lips, not only because Paddy agreed with me, but also because Paddy talked to me. And not out of necessity, but to lighten our relationship.
"Yeah." I agreed and watched as his eyes drifted back to the box of pens.

Shortly afterwards, I made my way to the kitchen to make myself a cup of tea when Y/N ran into me in the corridor.

"Were you able to find out who he just dropped off the gift to? Was it his ex? Does he have a new one?" She asked out of curiosity, peeking over my shoulder at Paddy who was just getting up and making his way towards us with the wooden box in his hand.
"Seriously, the only thing we have exchanged was an awkward "thank you" and an uncomfortable "you're welcome" back." Her eyes narrowed and she quickly looked in a completely different direction as Paddy walked past us into his room, whistling some of the Christmas songs that have been running in the background for the last 30 minutes.

"Damn it." She scolded, then she walked over to Ciara. When we drove back in the afternoon, Parker had already fallen asleep in the back seat. Extremely exhausted from the day.

At least the snowstorm had stopped and the roads were clear and not as slippery as in the morning.

"Ciara has invited us to the New Year's Eve party in Bermondsey. Hero and Joe are supposed to come too. What do you think?" Bermondsey?! I growled at the thought.
"In the centre of London? Isn't that a bit far from home? You know there's going to be a shitload of tourists there all waiting to see the big fireworks?" I complained and she rolled her eyes.
"The ride takes 35 minutes. That's fine. And the party is on a private property with a roof terrace. We will have the best view without having to push." She explained, making the whole thing sound a bit better.
"And Parker?" I asked.
"What about him? He can come. I think we won't be the only ones with a child there." I nodded. All right, if she had thought it through, I was down for it.

I mean I wasn't a fan of partying.
Tons of sweaty people, douchebags hitting on women, and every single one of them being drunk. If I'm going to get through this, then good god, at least let me have a drink.

Y/N smiled contentedly when she saw my nod of agreement, continuing to text on her mobile phone as I drove us home.

~Short part, I know, but the next one should be more exciting! Stay tuned;)~