From Mine to Ours

24: You want us to what?!

A/N: I couldn't decide if I wanted to upload a separate chapter for this note, but I'll save that for another time to keep the chapters and story consistent without my personal thoughts disconnecting the flow too much...

I really wanted to make sure that everyone's aware that I'm definitely seeing all of the support and reads "Mine To Ours" is getting. It is not going unnoticed by me.

Words can not describe the gratitude I feel for all of you. The support this book is getting is so amazing and it's motivating me beyond belief.

I will definitely write a proper 'thank you' to all of you at the end of this story, but I have to say how much I appreciate every single one of you now.

I know I have so much to still work on and learn, but as this is my first published story, I can't help but be so emotional from seeing you all enjoy it! I love you all!

Right, I didn't want to write an essay, yet, for the sake of the story, so I'll let you get back to the book!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! <3

-

He stares at me for another few slow, silent beats. I feel our breathing sync up the longer we keep our eyes locked on each other. I notice his eyes flit back and forth between my own and I resist the urge to try and physically shake the answers out of him.

His foot, which was previously balanced on his knee, meets the floor as he stands. My neck starts to crane the taller he gets and all I can do is continue to watch.

Watch his arms reach out until they're in my bubble again.

Watch those nimble fingers of his dance along my waist and stop right at my hips.

Feel him tug me closer and closer until my thoughts mix and mingle into mush. The only thing running through my head now is him. The sight before me has a chokehold on my attention.

The heat from his body traverses to mine and I can feel my skin start to flush all over.

"Julian," he whispers, coaxing me to come even closer, "Asher," one last tug and I'm flush against his chest, "and I..." he pauses this time. His face leans back again and I can tell he's getting a really good look at me. Not for any other reason other than to gauge my reactions.

"We like you, a lot," he finally says. The ringing in my ears intensifies at the confession. A confession I was expecting to make to them myself this entire time. Ever since my heart skipped its first beat for them, I innately knew, deep down, that a situation like this would come. Where my feelings would be forced to come to the forefront.

Did I think things would play out like this?

Absolutely not.

Am I complaining?

Of course not.

"You..." I start, my words clogging up my throat as they fight over which word should be the next.

His lips quirk upwards and he leans back in. At first, I start mentally preparing for a kiss, but no, he turns his head and lets it rest on my shoulder as we hold each other close in another embrace. One that I've come to feel great comfort in.

"I know." That's all he says and I know he doesn't expect a whole speech from me right now. He said what he wanted to say and gave me the answers I've been seeking for in the most simple way possible.

They'll let me process it. I know they will.

"Showtime!" Alexis runs up to me after finishing up in the dressing room. Photographers and videographers aren't allowed back here unless given explicit permission, so I'm taking the chance to do some breathing exercises. "Nervous?" She nudges my shoulder with her own while I shake my head, pause, then end up being truthful by nodding my head.