Second Shot (Bastille)

17: No scary adult responsibilities

*July 2013*

*Freddie's POV*

"What're you dressed up for?" Dan quizzed, approaching me from behind and putting his hands on my bare shoulders and longingly kissing my collarbone (which would have been enjoyable had it not been for the question that had preceded).

"...Mum and Wayne's anniversary... We're supposed to leave at two" I reminded him. Looking at the clock I read it was 20 past one.

"We were?" Dans face was riddled with confusion; his forehead creased, trying to remember us having this conversation.

"Yeah, I mentioned it before you went away"

"Ah, well you know how fried my brain gets after a long run of gigs" Dan laughed awkwardly, and rubbed the back of his neck.

"Yeah, no it's fine, we'll still be able to leave at two if you start getting ready now"

"Actually Fred, I uh, promised Liv I'd have Alfie today while she has some time with her mum" I raised my brows curiously, feeling sure that Livs mum had kicked her out. If my mum had been as unsupportive, I definitely wouldn't be having lunch with her. Dan must have read my mind because he shrugged and continued talking "I dunno, maybe now that Alfie's here she feels bad for being so harsh on Liv. I'm really sorry though, I completely forgot about this" He kissed my head apologetically.

I nodded and finished washing up "It's fine, I've missed you is all" I said, trying not to make Dan feel too guilty for doing his job.

"I know love, I've missed you too. I promise we'll do something later in the week okay?" I nodded again before Dan pecked my lips and disappeared into the bedroom.

Crossing the hall, I knocked on the door and waited for Sam to answered. After listening to a symphony of clattering, the door swung open.

"Hey you, wassup?"

"Hey, you busy?"

"Nope, why?"

"Fancy being my plus one for mum and Wayne's anniversary dinner?" I asked half-heartedly. I'll admit I was disappointed that Dan wasn't coming: he'd been busy with all the UK festivals for the last few weeks and was soon going to be heading off again to America. I'd been hoping to spend at least one afternoon with him, even if we were surrounded by my family.

"I thought Dan was going with you?" Sam quizzed, looking over my shoulder, checking that Dan wasn't stood behind me.

"He's looking after Alfie"

"Hasn't he spent the majority of his time with Alfie... since he was born?"

"Well yeah but he's just doing Liv a favour. Cut him some slack Sam, he's been thrown into parenthood right at the deep end, at least let him learn how to be a dad before expecting him to balance being that, a touring musician and a boyfriend" I suggested defensively.

Sam nodded slowly, suspiciously but then quickly altered her expression and grinned cheerfully "Sure I'll join, haven't seen the second family in a while" She swiftly grabbed a small handbag and we soon made our way out of the apartment block.

It didn't take long until we were walking up the path to my childhood house. But the journey had felt longer after Sam had retold a story Kyle had told her about the tour (one that I hadn't heard but also one that Sam was sure would've Dan to tell me, further highlighting how little time Dan and I had spent together).

After waiting a moment, the door opened and we were greeted by both of my half-sisters, Sophie and Megan.
Despite being a mirror image of one another facially, the twins couldn't be more different: Sophie was the boho-chic queen and was usually seen modelling flowing, floral dresses and floppy sun hats. She walked with a lightness that, more often than not, tricked people into thinking she was floating instead of walking.
On the other hand, Megan was racetrack royalty. With a wardrobe full of hi-tech sportswear and a trophy case full of medals and trophies, Meg wasn't happy unless she was speeding round a track with the wind rustling the short strands of hair that rested just past her ears.