submerged » l.h {FINISHED}

2.8 » close your eyes

"This is Michael's place," Kaity said from the passenger seat. Luke pulled up alongside the curb and threw the truck into park. They were both quick to jump out and go inside Michael's apartment building.

It was a larger place, only three stories, but each floor had a multitude of apartments. Unfortunately for Michael, his place was on the very top floor. Kaity was surprised when she heard he had taken the apartment, what with him having to truck up the steps every day. There was an elevator, but it was usually out of order except for a select few days.

Luke intertwined their fingers as they started up the winding staircase towards the third floor. Kaity looked back to him, a small smile pulling on the corners of her lips. She looked ahead of her again, stepping onto the last landing and walking a little ways down the hallway, approaching Michael's door.

She knocked on it lightly as Luke stood beside her, his shoulder brushing against hers softly. They heard a shuffling and a small bang come from within and seconds later, Michael was unlocking the door and pulling it open.

"Hey, guys," he smiled, rubbing his knee nonchalantly. He was dressed in an oversized white tee shirt, Weezer's logo stretching across the front of it and a pair of slouchy basketball shorts on his lower half.

He pushed the door open wider so they could both come inside. Kaity quickly untangled her hand from Luke's to give Michael a quick hug. She hadn't heard from him in almost a week. It was usual for that to happen - and she couldn't help but admit that she missed him.

She missed his perverted jokes, loud laugh, and his playful banter. She missed him as a whole - wildly dyed hair and all.

Michael chuckled lowly in her ear before pulling back. Kaity looked to Luke only to find that he was looking around Michael's apartment with curiosity. She realized that the last time they were here, he didn't exactly have time to look around.

It was a typical bachelor pad; minimal furniture, dishes still undone in the sink and a shit load of clothes spewed about - most of them boxers. And of course, there were a million and one video games stacked on the floor around his television.

Now that she thought about it, it kind of reminded her of Luke's house, but a lot more basic.

"So what did you invite us here for?" Kaity asked, stepping away from him. "You were pretty vague on the phone." She sat down on the sofa, tossing a shirt to the side only for it to land across the room.

"Right. So," Michael said, grabbing one of his dining room chairs, spinning it around and straddling it across from them, "I know you made Neely come over and talk to me. And she did, and we worked things out," he explained, resting his chin on his hands as they folded over the back of the chair.

Kaity gasped, perking up in her seat slightly. "So you're dating?" She questioned, her voice rising with excitement. She was ready to freak out, her best friends finally together after years of waiting, and Michael being in love with her.

Michael chuckled, but shook his head. "Not exactly," he said, his face falling fractionally as he let out a small sigh. "But we did decide to still be friends," he continued, lifting his head from his hands. "But I can read her well, Kaity. Something has changed in her and I know she loves me back."

Kaity smiled, loving the sound of Michael's voice. He was no longer sad talking about Neely, but instead fierce and confident.

Something, too, had changed in him.

"So what are you going to do about it?" Luke spoke up, his voice deep beside her. "How are you going to get your girl, Michael?" Kaity glanced up to him and couldn't help but smile. She was glad him and Michael were getting along.