Breathe

Chapter 9

"Don't count the days, make the days count." -Muhammad Ali

After reaching the bottom of the stairs, I start walking towards the couch and hear a loud thud. My head whips around to see Michael sprawled out at the bottom of the stairs.

"Dammit!" he yells.  We try to hide our amusement but laughter escapes our mouths as we tease Michael for falling down the stairs. "Shut up. You guys are annoying." He rolls his eyes, clearly embarrassed.

Luke sits on the carpet, and I follow him, sitting closely.  After Calum helps Michael off the ground, they join us on the floor.

"Sooo…" Ashton says.

"So spill the details," Calum says.

"Details?"

"Yes, details.  What's going on with you and Val?" He turns to Luke and I, "And you two, too."

"We're all dating." Ashton states, like it's a known fact. "Well we're all not dating each other, uh, like Val and I, and then Luke and Vanessa." He's stuttering and embarrassed, or nervous? I'm not sure, but his insecurity of words makes me giggle.

"I figured, just wanted to clear things up," Calum replies.

"So what do we do now," Luke asks, looking at me. This "party" just seems awkward more than anything.

"I don't know.  This is kind of weird because we don't all know each other that well," I say.

"Well we can play a game?" Michael suggests.

"A game? Are we in sixth grade at our first party?" I laugh.

"Come on, it could be fun…and interesting," he says with a smirk. What is he planning?

"Um..well, I guess. What game did you have in mind?" I ask.

"Well I hadn't thought that far ahead..um," he pauses for a few seconds, "How about 'Never Have I Ever'?"

"You'll have to explain to rules," I say for the sake of everyone, after glances at all the confused expressions.

"Have you guys really never played this? You need to get out more!"

"Coming from the guy who spends his life in his room playing video games," Luke retorts.

"Alright, alright. Fair enough.  First of all we need drinks," Michael smirks, "But we can grab them in a minute. So, basically, whosever turn it is, you start your statement with "Never have I ever…" and you say something you've never done.  If anyone in the group has done it, you take a drink. Make sense?"

It sounds like it's a game created for individuals with more experience than I have.  I haven't done a lot of 'inappropriate" things in my life, neither promiscuous or illegal.

"We'll get some cups," I say, gently tugging Luke's arm with me.  Silence hangs between us as we enter the kitchen.  I wonder what he's thinking about.  

In a swift moment my back is against the fridge and Luke's arms are placed beside my head, trapping me.  "I've missed your lips," he smirks sweetly.

"And I've missed yours," I say, my eyes wide in surprise

His lips connect with mine, but this time it's different. Hunger fuels his lips as he slides his tongue over my bottom lip, asking for entrance.  I oblige and his tongue slips inside my mouth.  He takes a step closer and his body is brushed against mine.  He releases me abrubtly, grabs my hand, and walks back towards the stairs.  I never know what to expect with this boy.