never letting go || lrh

Important news.

*Luke’s POV*

As we were walking in silence to Nandos, I was wondering why she had been so mad at me. What had happened that night that made her hate me so much? I don’t know. But I was glad she finally got over it after a month or so. I had missed her a hell of a lot. Hooking up with Aylin was a mistake, and I couldn’t even begin to realise how stupid I had been. Anyway, I was glad we were friends again. Not going to lie, I wish it was like before, where I could grip her waist and pull her to me and we’d kiss, but I had to take things slow. 

We arrived at the restaurant, and asked to be seated at the back, in a more private place to avoid fans. Don’t get me wrong, I love our fans, more than anything. Just, I was trying to figure things out with Maddie right now, and couldn’t be disturbed. God, this entire situation was so goddamn frustrating! What the fuck happened that night? I got mad at myself for getting so drunk I couldn’t remember.

«What are you having?» I looked up and Maddie was staring at me, wide eyed and cut me from my thoughts.

«Oh, uh, the usual chicken I like. You?» I smiled at her.

«The veggie burger.» She said, grinning. I had completely forgotten she was a vegetarian. What kind of a friend am I? Ugh, I hate myself. Just as I thought that, the waitress approached. She was staring at me intently and I smiled politely.

«Hi!»  She said very -very- enthusiastically. «I’m Meghan, I’ll be your waitress today.» She winked at me. I rolled my eyes inside and we both ordered. 

«Could I get a photo with you please Luke?» Meghan said as she finished writing down our orders. 

«Sure!» I tried not to sound annoyed, but I saw the death glare she sent Maddie, and it annoyed the hell out of me. I felt so bad for her, not being able to hang out with us without being hated on. I took the photo and sat back down.

«I’m so, so so so, so sorry about that, Maddie, I don’t like the way our fans treat you.» I said once the waitress was out of hearing distance. 

«No, it’s fine, it’s the price I have to pay to have amazing friends like you.» She winked at me, and I blushed a little and nibbled on my lip ring. She stared at my lips, and that’s when everything became super awkward. We could have cut the tension with a knife in here. She coughed and played with the ring she was wearing. I looked down and was desperately trying to find a conversation topic in my dum head. 

«So, Ash talks about you a lot.» I said, instantly regretting it. Her head shot up, and she looked confused.

«What?» She asked.

«Um, nothing.» I blushed yet again and inspected the salt and pepper shakers. Smooth, Luke, smooth. Thankfully, Meghan came back with our food, and she shot another bitchy look at Maddie, which didn’t go unnoticed. 

«Excuse me, do you have a problem?» Mad snapped, which surprised not only the waitress but also me. The Meghan chick stared her down but didn’t answer.

«I repeat. Do you have a problem?» Maddie insisted.

«Hey, babe it’s okay.» I said, reaching to take her hand over the table. 

«No it’s not okay, this chick I don’t know is bitching me down when all she’s supposed to do is serve food!» She shrieked. The waitress looked embarassed. She flipped her hair and walked away. Maddie was fuming and she ripped her hand from my grip. 

«I’m sorry but it’s just too much.» She said, putting her head in her hands.

«No, hey I understand, and it’s mostly my fault.» I said, stroking her forearm. 

«I’m just in a pissy phase at the moment, I’m sorry, don’t apologise.» She sighed and laced our hands together again.

«It’s okay.» I smiled reassuringly at her. I let go of her hand after squeezing it, reminding myself : FRIENDS. FRIENDS. FRIENDS. 

«How about we eat now?» I said, pointing to the food, which looked and smelled heavenly. We dug in and ate silently, enjoying each others company. When we were done, I payed and we walked out, not looking at the clingy waitress.

We stepped into the fresh night, and walked towards the nearest park. 

«Uh, the boys and I have news for you, do you mind coming back to our place?» I asked hesitantly.

«Sure!» She grinned at me. 

«Cool.» I answered nervously. This was a big thing we were going to ask her, and I didn’t know how she would react. We walked in silence back to the coffee shop parking lot where I had left my car.

As we got there we both hopped in, and I revved the engine. She turned on the radio, probably to avoid awkward silence. 

About 5 minutes into the ride, we still hadn’t spoken and she got out her phone and I saw her scroll through Twitter.

«Damn, all these girls are really going crazy for you.» She smiled amusingly, showing me all the spam comments that girls send me.

«Uh, yeah, I guess.» I grinned.

We rode in silence once again until we reached my driveway.

«Home sweet home.» I said, walking out of the car. She followed my lead, and we walked to the front door. I opened, and found Mike playing video games on the couch.

«Hey man.» I told him. 

«Hey mate, what’s up?» He answered me without turning around.

«Not much. Uh, Maddie’s here.» I said, and he turned around this time. Maddie waved at him and they greeted each other.

«CAL, ASH, MADDIE’S HERE!» Michael yelled up the stairs. Maddie was looking at the scene, amused and probably confused.  I led her to the couch, and we both sat down next to Mikey. Ash walked in first, and he hugged and kissed Maddie. My stomach clenched at the sight, but I ignored it. Friends. Cal came in next, and when we were all sat in the living room, Mad spoke up.

«So, what’s this ‘news’ you wanted to talk about?» She asked.

«Who wants to go first?» Mike asked us. Nobody answered. «Fine, I’ll do it.» He laughed.

«Guys, you’re scaring me!» Maddie whined.

«No, don’t be scared!» Cal said.

«Well tell me and I won’t be!» She said amused. Just at that moment, her phone rang. «Shit, I’ve got to take this, but as soon as I’m done you’re telling me.» She warned, answered the phone and walked into the kitchen.

«Mike are you gonna tell her?» I asked.

«Why not, none of you are, and someone has to!» He said, putting his hands in the air.

«I think Ash should, since he came up with the idea.» Cal said, I agreed.

«And, she would be happy you asked, considering your relationship.» Mikey added.

«Fine, I’ll do it.» Ash finally agreed.

«Why are we so nervous to ask her anyways?» I asked.

«We’ve never done something like this before, it’s kind of a big deal.» Cal said.

«Yeah, I guess.» I answered as Maddie walked back into the room. 

«Okay, thanks, love you. Bye!» She spoke and hung up.

She took her seat next to Michael again. 

«So, are you guys gonna spill out the ‘big news’?» She said amusingly. We all looked expectantly at Ash who blushed a little.

«Well...» He started.