Preference #39: My partner in crime

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Step number one, find a suitable target usually in the form of his band members. Step number two, plant a decoy, make them go into the trap in a hurry; usually I tell them that there's pizza or drinks, sometimes I even say Michael is injured again. This leads us to step number three, actually pranking them once they get there. I like to turn the lights off and surprise attack them with water bombs or drop flour from the ceiling, something messy. One time we both got called out on a prank when the sound guy slipped over on the oil we spilled for Ashton, only then did they start getting suspicious. 

I'm not entirely sure how it started, I think it was just in our nature to be mischievous. The first prank I ever played on him was when I acted as if I were dying and couldn't stop bleeding, unknown to him I was on my period. Even now I still remember the horror and yells as he told me to try and stop the bleeding, he went paper white, the look on his face when I told him is one I can't ever forget. From then we pranked each other, he set seven alarms off around my apartment in hard to reach places going off from 3 in the morning until 10am. 

After a while I think we both got bored of pranking each other and what better targets than our friends. Working together meant there was so much more to do, two minds are better than one when it comes to pranking the guys as they are all so different at times. Our first prank was on Luke, how gullible he was to think I was pregnant and he was so happy for the two of us. When he went shopping with me and pointed out baby clothes I was so close to telling him, but I had to keep the story up until I had to tell Michael that I was 'pregnant.' Let's just say he channelled his inner rage and flipped out at me, Luke was horrified as Mike stormed off and only when I couldn't continue fake crying and sobbing I told him. I think he has forgiven us well, only just. 

From then on we got manipulative, each prank becoming more elaborate from the last. Yet now, here I am packing a small suitcase to surprise him in a good way. For the past few months Mike and the guys have been touring in the US whilst I'm back home missing him and according to Ashton, he misses me badly. to quote Ashton he can't function properly which is worrying. 

That was when Ashton came up with the idea to fly me out for a couple of days, surprise him and the others, see a few shows and have quality time with Mike; something we both needed. 

*

As I walked out of the arrivals section, heavy eyes and sluggish attire the sound of my name being called causes me to stand up right. Glancing around at the sea of people I see my name in bold writing on a sign held up above everyone else, passing through the crowds of families reuniting I start to see him and pick up my pace. 

Squealing I grip onto him tightly, unable to hide my smile from an old friend. Hearing him lightly laugh I bury my head against his chest, finally feeling some comfort that has been vacant from these past few months. "Oh Ash, you have no idea how happy I am to see you." Smiling up at him he wears a grin resembling my own. 

We walk out of the airport and get into his car, due to the time of day there aren't any fans about luckily. Trying to keep this a low key plan isn't always easy, thankfully I was able to wear my biggest sunglasses and one of Cal's beanies to prevent being recognised. As he drives us back to the hotel he runs through the plan. "So management and tour members know, the only ones who have no idea are the guys." I struggle to contain my excitement to see everyone again, especially Michael. "What you'll do is stay in my room for a while whilst the others are sleeping, and you know how they can sleep." Scoffing lightly I reminisce on the days when it would take banging on a pan to arouse those guys. 

"And then I'll see the others followed by surprising him in his hotel room?" I question but Ashton shakes his head causing me to raise an eyebrow and stay quiet. 

"Actually we want you to surprise him at the show, watch it from the sidelines and then be in the dressing room afterwards. We'll give you two some space of course but I think it'll be a good surprise." Nodding in response I rub my eyes before putting the sunglasses back on as the sun starts to rise behind the tall buildings. 

As we get to the hotel Ashton sneaks me into his room where I can't stop the trembling of my hands knowing how close he is just here I sit on a spare bed sipping at a drink whilst Ashton goes to get the others without Michael knowing. The door unlocks and my ears perk up at their questions, "Ash I was winning against Luke!" Calum moaned whilst Luke laughed lightly. 

Turning the corner Luke noticed me first and ran over, tackling me over on the bed unable to hold back his happiness. "Alright Luke, give her a chance to respond." Ashton joked as I felt another pair of arms hold me tightly, I was sandwiched in Cake- something I never thought I'd say. 

"What are you doing here? Mike's three doors down." Calum questioned and I looked to Ashton who went on and explained it all to them both. When he was done we all wore similar smiles, much like the mischievous grins Michael had when we planned a prank. 

For hours we sat just talking, slowly everyone went before Michael got suspicious until it was time to start getting ready for the afternoon ahead of them, more importantly the show. "So someone will come and get you in a couple of hours, they'll take you where you'll need to be once you get to the venue." 

I walked over and tightly hugged Ashton. "Thank you Ash, for all of this." He chuckled lightly, his arms around me loosened. 

"It'll be worth it, especially to see Mike that happy." With that Ashton headed out and left me to get ready until someone knocked on the door. 

The ride was filled with anticipation to see him, to be able to hold him and not just see his face over a screen or hear his voice through the phone. I can feel the goosebumps rise on my skin for the first time in too long when I picture seeing him post show, all sweaty and full of adrenaline. 

"Miss?" Snapping out of my thoughts a light breeze brushed against my ankles as the door was open for me. Climbing out I walked along with the bodyguard, who turned out to be one I've met before. "How are you Jeremy?" He seemed taken aback by my impressive memory. 

Smiling he led me forward, "I've been well thank you, excited to be reunited?" I couldn't help but feel a blush form on my cheeks, actually realising it was hours away now and was actually happening. Yet Michael is oblivious, this is just another show. 

Being moved to the side lines of the show which had already begun I watched them perform, occasionally being moved out of sight incase I was spotted. Whilst listening I had conversations with some of the crew who mentioned about his failed pranks whilst they've been on tour, ones Michael failed to mention beforehand. 

As they came to play the last song I listened to half of it before being ushered away by Jeremy, they told me that when the show is all over Michael will be told that I am phoning about an emergency. This will then lead him into the dressing room where I will await him, not a phone call, perfect. 

Patiently I sat in the dressing room in the far corner before getting up and going to the bathroom. Whilst I was in there I took a few deep breaths knowing he'd be here soon. "Where is the phone in this fucking room?" My eyes went wide and I could hear my heart thumping. 

Michael was here. In the dressing room. And I, I'm on the loo. 

Mentally swearing I hurry up and flush it, shutting my eyes tightly as I do knowing how loud it is. Quickly I wash my hands and peer out of the door, seeing no one in the room and sigh. As I step out I see a blur of colour and someone yell in my face causing me to fall back against the door in complete fear. "Holy shit! It's me!" I yelled loudly as I looked up panting loudly to see Michael in complete and utter shock. 

He crouched down in front of me, sweaty and cheeks tinted pink. Reaching out his hand held my cheek, placing my hand across his wrist I could feel his accelerated heart rate. "What? H-how?" Words struggled to escape his lips which made me laugh. 

"Surprise?" I shrugged as I moved closer and kissed him, something I'd been dreaming about doing for too long. 

As he pulled away he couldn't comprehend me being here, his eyes seemed brighter and full of joy. Much more so than when I see him on a poorly lit screen on the tour bus or in some hotel room. "My partner in crime returns," He laughs lightly as I just hold his hands, admiring him in this rare state of peace. "bout time and all. We've got pranks to pull." 


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