Follow You (Oli Sykes Fan Fiction) COMPLETE

Long Time, No See

As Luiz and I sat in the car to head to the after party, I couldn't stop thinking about what Oli had said in his acceptance speech. I had no idea that he was on drugs, and certainly no clue he was apparently on them - addicted to them to be specific - when I'd met him and hung out with him. It boggled my mind. How would I have not noticed? And then there was what Luiz had said... maybe that was the reason Oli had just suddenly stopped talking to me after London. Maybe he went to rehab. His speech had dragged up the past again, and suddenly I had so many more questions and possible answers to things I'd never been able to work out.

When we arrived at the after party, I gave Luiz strict instructions to make me leave after an hour. I really had to be responsible and get a decent nights sleep before the next event – which was literally in about 18 hours time on the other side of the country. "So, if I see Oli coming over here, should I stop him or let him approach?" Luiz asked me seriously. I doubted that Oli would notice me since he wouldn't expect me to be there, and if he did, would he even approach me? 
"I don't know." I replied. I honestly didn't.

I stood around in a big group with Fall Out Boy, other bands, and the people that came and went as they got into polite conversations. It was about 30 minutes into the night that I noticed Oli on the other side of the room, chatting with people from other bands. I still couldn't believe that he had gone on his own. 

I felt so strange standing there, knowing that he was only a few meters from me, despite the fact that he had no idea that I was there. I glanced over a couple of times, even though I tried not to, but it was impossible to completely ignore the fact that he was there. I chatted with so many amazing people to distract myself, but I kept thinking about Oli. I was so torn on whether I should go over to him or not. With only 10 minutes left before I knew I had to leave and my head completely scrambled, I decided that I needed more alcohol; one last drink before heading home to maybe give me some clarity.

When I looked over to see how long the line at the bar was, I saw Oli standing there on his own, obviously waiting for his drink.
"Luiz..." I said, gesturing my head toward the bar, pointing out Oli standing there. "Should I go?" I asked him. I wasn't sure if I should, or if I even wanted to, but his speech had softened my feelings toward the way he'd just disappeared on me. At least maybe there was some kind of explanation for it now... but then, maybe he didn't want to talk to me. Maybe he didn't want to ever see me again; he had ghosted me after all.
"I'm sure he wouldn't be horrified to see you if that's what you're worried about." Luiz replied. It was like he could read my mind sometimes. I stood there looking at him trying to figure out my next move. Did I want to talk to him? Did I want to put myself into a potentially awkward situation? 
"What do you have to lose?" Luiz suddenly asked.

I knew he was right, but it was still making me anxious. 'Fuck it' I thought as I looked over at Oli again, what was the worst thing that could happen? That he was rude and didn't want to talk to me? It's not like I ever really had to see him again if he was a complete asshole... And who knew when or if, I would ever have the chance to potentially break the ice again. Luiz handed me his drink, like he knew I needed liquid courage, and I threw it back in one go.

As I walked toward the bar, my nerves started rising and I had a huge lump in my throat. I didn't really have any reason to be nervous since I'd done nothing wrong, but you know how it is... seeing someone from your past is always a little daunting. Oli was leaning on the bar, looking at his phone when I stopped beside him.
"Congratulations." I said, looking over. Oli turned and as his eyes met mine, it was like he had seen a ghost. Like all of the blood rushed out of his face; like he was absolutely terrified. He just stared at me for a moment with his lips slightly open like he was in complete and utter shock. "Thanks." he finally said. "Hi." he added after a pause. It was like he couldn't speak, or had no idea what to say to me.
"Long time, no see." I said. He swallowed hard. The barman appeared and distracted Oli for a moment; handing him his drink. He just looked completely bewildered.
"Um, are you drinking?" Oli asked me awkwardly. I looked to the barman. "Vodka and soda with lime please." I requested. Oli still looked completely terrified and the air around us was incredibly tense. This moment was definitely not pleasant.