Rose rolls over in her sleep, almost falling off the couch. The sun is high in the sky and streaming in through her living room window. On the coffee table sits a note with messy handwriting.
We fell asleep talking and you looked too
Peaceful to wake up this morning.
Michael xx
Smiling to herself Rose rises from the couch, taking the note with her. In her room she sticks it in the corner of her mirror. After showering Rose texts Luke that she’s on the way to their favorite restaurant. Upon entering the brick building housing a small bistro Rose spots Luke’s blonde hair towards the back. “Hey, Luke.” She grabs his attention making him turn around in his chair.
“Rose!” His eyes brighten and his smile widens at the sight of his best friend. She takes the seat across from him, picking up the menu to browse the food options, though she knows it almost by heart. “What’s on your wrists?” The black ink catches his attention.
“Oh I um got a tattoo yester day.” She turns her arms so he can read the words scrawled across both wrists. The look on his face is unreadable.
“Stay strong,” he whispers. “I am so sorry if I made you feel like you can’t do this because I know you can and I just-“
“Luke, stop. I told you yesterday that it’s fine. I just don’t want to always put you out or make you feel like you have to help me. This time I’m going to help myself and this is just a reminder.”
“Ok, but you know I’ll always be here, right?”
“Of course.” In her pocket, Rose’s phone vibrates, notifying her that Michael is calling. An even brighter smile appears on her face. Apologizing to Luke before answering the call. “Hey.”
“Someone is cheery for having fallen asleep late last night,” Michael laughs on the other end.
“I’m just having lunch with Luke. Still tired though.”
“Oh, right. Sorry I didn’t mean to interrupt.” He quickly backtracks, feeling awkward. Their friendship hasn’t really been a great topic between Michael and Rose.
“No, your fine. Honestly. Actually do you want to join us? We haven’t ordered yet.” She offers, ignoring the look on Luke’s face.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. Please?” Rose begs. Michael gives and she ends the call. “Ok, before you start please just do this for me? I want you guys to get to know each other. I really like him, Luke.”
“Fine. Just for you.” He takes a sip of his water, “This better not be as bad as when I met Ashton.” The first time Luke met Ashton it couldn’t have gone worse. Ash had this I’m older, I’m better façade on. Rose was stuck, she just hoped Michael and Luke got on better.
“Thank you. It won’t be I swear!” A few minutes later Michael strides through the door. His blonde hair a mess as usual, a blue flannel hung over his shoulders and a black t-shirt underneath. His black boots connect with the floor carrying him over to the table with Rose and Luke. “Hi,” she stands to greet him with a hug. “Michael this is my best friend Luke, Luke this is my,” Rose pauses not knowing really what her and Michael are. “Um this is my friend, Michael.”
“Hey man,” Michael extends his hand to Luke. He takes the open seat between the two. After a waitress takes their orders Rose breaks the silence. “So Luke, Michael likes to play videos games.” Luke perks up and becomes more interested in the boy sitting next to him.
“What’s your favorite game?”
“FIFA, duh.” Michael answers without hesitation. With that they are launched into a discussion, leaving Rose out. Though she was fine with it. Her best friend and new love interest were getting along. That’s all she could ask for.
“Wanna come over and play some FIFA? I think my roommate Calum is home.” Michael offers to Luke as the group of three walks out of the restaurant.
“Yea dude.” Luke accepts. “You coming Rose?” Her only other option was sitting at home, willing away temptation. So she agrees.
“Can I get a ride from you? I walked.” Michael wonders approaching the passenger side door of the small red car. She nods letting him know to get in. Luke followed them in his own car. It crossed her mind a few times why Michael didn’t drive or have a car. It seemed Calum was always picking him up from AA and she was driving them around. She doesn’t mind, she loves her car, but she made a mental note to ask him later. On the drive to his apartment, Michael takes Rose’s free hand in his and absent-mindedly plays with her fingers.
“Thank you,” she tells the boy that is currently holding her physical hand but also her entire soul, that could crush her in a second just by leaving.
“For what?”
“Today, being there, everything. Just thank you.”
woow. It's been too long. I'm sorry!! I had a lot going the last week, and I'm pretty sure this was just more fluff. lol but thank you if you are sticking around :) xo -Rachel
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