Escaping the Friend Zone (XiuChen)

A Rude Awakening

Author note: if you haven't read "A Leaders Struggle" yet, I recommend reading it before you read this one.

I'm sitting in front of the Christmas tree with my back up against one of the couches, trying my hardest not to let my mind get the best of me. I sigh deeply as i listen to the others in the kitchen laughing and talking joyfully. Normally i'm happy to join them, but for some reason this whole week was hard to swallow.

Exo had managed to get the entire week before Christmas off to do whatever we wanted, but i just wanted to have something to dive myself into. Having all of this free time to think and be around all of the other couples of the house made me realize just how hard it was to be alone, especially on Christmas.

"Sir, i'm going to have to ask you to tone it down, you are just having way to much fun" Chen says suddenly coming up on my side and staring down at me.

I smile at him, but don't feel it touch my eyes "i'll try to contain myself"

Chen frowns at my tone "Uh oh, Xiu's pulled out his i'm-happy-but-not-really voice" Chen sits down next to me and nudges my shoulder with his "what's up?"

I shake my head and pick at a lose threat on the carpet "nothing, just not feeling it i guess"

"What? Christmas?" he asks baffled.

I nod and he blows out an over-dramatic breath of air "how can you not feel Christmas?.. it's Christmas for crying out loud"

"I just want to be alone" i say looking away from him, not in the mood for his humor.

"Ah, well there seems to be only one way to solve this then" Chen says with a hint of something in his voice that makes me scoot away from him.

"Chen" i warn "don't"

"what Xiu? i just want to help you" he says getting on his knees and moving towards me.

"Chen, i swear, don't do it" i say, my eyes wide, watching his body crouch into attacking stance.

"Shh, it'll all be over soon" he whispers then pounces on me forcing my back against the ground, and pinning my arms above my head with one hand, while tickling me with the other.

I start squirming while trying to hold in my laughter, but i just can't "Chen...ahhaha...please...hahaha...fine...i'll cheer up" i said in between my gasps and giggles.

"You promise you'll quite being a Debbie downer?" he asks stilling his hand on my abdomen, letting it rest there.

My breath catches when i realize that he has his hand up under my shirt, and he seems to also because he pulls it away quickly, while his cheeks turn slightly red.

"Yeah, sure. I'll try" i say attempting to rid the room of awkward silence.

"That's my hyung" he says standing up and offering me his hand "come on, D.O. made cookies and hot chocolate"

My mood perks up a bit "cookies?" i grab his hand and stand up.

Chen laughs, throwing his arm around my shoulders "i knew that would get you" then he leads me into the Kitchen.

Maybe this Christmas won't be all bad, maybe just having him close to me is all i need to get me through this, and maybe all i really need is my best friend to enjoy the holidays with.

>>>>>

I awake to a slight pressure on my body forcing me hard into my mattress. I groan and try to roll over but I am still restrained against my bed. "Chen.. get off" i whine trying to buck him off.