Baby Steps [l.t]

Three

(MELANIE'S POV)

William, Dan and I had arrived back at my apartment. Pulling off my coat, I felt his warm arms wrap around my waist. William was, of course, to wrapped up in his own curiosity of the world, to notice Dan's sudden display of affection. He kissed my cheek, then pulled away completely, leaving a lingering feeling of warmth on my cheek.

"Well then," I laughed, "Make yourself at home." He laughed too, before heading into the living room.

"What's for dinner, momma?" William asked, tugging on my skirt.

"Umm, I can make pastrami?" I said, looking up to both of the boys nodding their heads. "Do you mind if I invite the girls?" I asked, eyeing Dan.

"Of course, I love them," He said.

Three phone calls and four boxes of pastrami later, Sam, her boyfriend Alex, Avery, and Sadie all arrived. Amber couldn't make it due to the fact that her boyfriend Paul was sick.

Seated at the table, William made sure we all held hands and prayed before anyone even thought of picking up a fork, "God is great, God is Good, Let us thank him for our food, We're gonna thank him morning, noon and night, We're gonna thank him cause he's out of sight, Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen. Hallelujah."

After William's little prayer, we all dug in, and for a few moments chewing was the only thing heard throughout the room. It wasn't until Dan grabbed my hand that we all broke out of our food dazes.

Avery looked at him, then at me, then back at him, confusion clear on her face. Sam shared a look with Sadie, but I had no time to be curious about that, because Alex chimed in, "So are you two a thing now?"

I looked at Dan, as though asking, Are we? I mean we had only kissed.

Dan looked around the table, before resting his eyes on mine, "We're getting there."

I blushed and squeezed his hand, before returning to eating. I felt someone's eyes on me, but I didn't care to look up and see who it was, because I was pretty sure I had a clear idea.

-

After dinner, and the girl's had left, Dan and I were cuddled on the couch, more interested in each other than the television, but we kept it on for background noise.

He brushed the hair out of my face, before cupping my cheek and leaning in. Our lips were millimeters apart, when a news story came through, quite loud and clear.

"One Direction is officially on break from their tour, but not all of them are rushing home to mummy and daddy. Louis Tomlinson is heading straight to London to spend the whole two weeks with his girlfriend, Eleanor Calder. Her birthday being in two days, we presume a surprise in order. Perhaps an engagement? Upon asking this during a private interview, backstage in Dublin, he said, and I quote 'No comment.' Could Elounor finally tie the knot? I guess we all will have to wait in agonizing suspense for the next few days."

Dan pulled away, seeing the pain clear behind my eyes. Dan knew how much it hurt me to let him go. He pulled me into his arms, and I began to cry on his shoulder. He kissed the top of my head, and pet my hair down.

I don't remember falling asleep, but when I woke up, I was in my bedroom, with a note on my side table.

Mel-
You fell asleep on the couch last night, so I brought you here. I hope you feel better, and remember I am always here for you.
-Dan

It was unfair to him to still be upset over Louis, so I knew for Dan's sake, and mine, I would have to put on my big girl pants and move on.

Oh God.
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