5sos blurbs & stuff

training wheels - lrh

it was a long, chilly summer that year. the neighborhood had calmed down for the afternoon and house lights began to click on as the sun fell from the sky and into the woods behind your development.

it was always weird to return back to your parents house after your college year ended, but it was always a two month long reunion with your high school friends. of course, it wasn't a big thing, just you and luke watching television in the basement. in between these casual sessions, it was you and his band in his garage.

things were quiet today, luke was breathing out a soft laugh at the sitcom flashing through the dimly lit room, and you were sprawled out on the couch staring at the ceiling.

the show was about some family, from what you could tell from listening, and they were teaching the youngest little girl how to ride a bike. comical things went about, such as the dad demonstrating how to ride and ending up getting hit by a car. it was a typical show, typical story.

"that's not anything like how i remember learning to ride a bike." luke mused, nudging your feet that rested upon his lap. you sat up to watch for a moment, looking to the scruffy faced boy after.

"you know, i don't know how to ride a bike." you admitted, grinning at the thought. you had always been too scared, too afraid to fall and get hurt. your siblings and friends had always teased you about it, but you didn't recall ever telling luke, even though the two of you were close.

he only gave you a weird look before he let his mouth open, gaping at the information. "really?" he would question, getting a quick nod from you. he would sigh a shake his head back at you, pushing your feet off of him and standing up.

"well that's not happening, i'll teach you." luke insisted. you didn't really see a reason to resist, you always wanted to learn but you always felt awkward when you got ready. maybe having the support of luke could help.

the two of you rushed out to the front yard, luke speeding past you to race across the street and get his old bicycle. for it's age, the bike was in pretty good shape, a simple yellow color with silver handles.

"ready? you don't need a helmet, right?" he asked you as he wheeled it to the bottom of your driveway.

"i guess not, just make sure i don't fall and die, okay?" you sighed, grinning back at him as you mounted the bike, clutching the white grips on the handles. he stuck a pinky in your face, signaling a trustworthy promise. you intertwined your digit with his.

"i won't let go unless you tell me to." he told you firmly, giving you a close-lipped smile of encouragement. his foot kicked up the stopper and he steadied his hands on your back and waist. his touch comforted you, as you had been growing jittery over the situation. the same fears you had as a child learning to ride a bike were creeping up on you.

"alright, start pedaling."

"i know, luke."

"okay, keep your balance, too."

"i got it luke, i got it." you insisted, and you began to pedal, shakily, as you knew if you stayed still any longer he would continue to state the obvious. surprisingly, you were doing pretty well after a few seconds of bicycling, luke galloping beside you the entire time, holding you up.

it struck you with a boost of confidence, and you nodded, breathing out, "let go." to luke, who now had a hand on your shoulder in place of your hip.

"are you sure?" he murmured hastily.

"yes, let go!" you repeated impatiently, and he did so, startled by your determined outburst. he stood back, watching you with hands in the pocket of his black jacket.

you kept the pace going, grinning to yourself. you were doing it! you were finally riding a bike, even after all these years. and as much as you were glad, a wave of immediate fear rushed over you.

as soon as this feeling hit you, you were off balance, swerving. your arms jerked around, trying to keep them straight. luke was yelling something about braking, but it was too late. you toppled over to the side, hitting the pavement with a grunt.

you pushed yourself up, sighing in exasperation as you spotted the bike laying across your legs. you weren't hurt seriously, but cuts and bruises circulated on your knees, elbows, and the palms of your hands.

"oh my god, are you alright?" you could hear luke behind you, hand once again on your shoulder and the other easing the weight of the bicycle off of you.

"uh, yeah, i think so ..." you muttered, wipping small specks of gravel out of your hand. his demeanor seemed to change, you noticed, because he began to laugh, rubbing and patting you on the back before sitting down on the curb in front of you.

"maybe you should stick to using training wheels, babe."

authors note: oops! i didn't go back and edit this so it might be sloppy but,, :))) this is hella cute