when to let go | l.h.

sixteen

currently i am sat on the couch after work with my head in luke's lap. on the tv is show random home design show we decided to turn on but i haven't really been paying attention due to the thought running through my head. it's all i seemed to be doing lately but for once the thoughts were good.

i closed my eyes as luke ran his fingers through my hair, just enjoying a relaxing moment for once. we remained like this for awhile until luke broke the silence.

"what you thinking about bub?" i could feel his attention shift to me as he turned down the volume on the tv and i could feel his gaze now on me. i turned my body in his lap so i was now looking up into his icy blue eyes and met with a warm, dimply smile that i couldn't help but return.

"just the future." i shrugged as if that didn't seem like the broadest answer i could give. this resulted in the quizzical raise of an eyebrow from the blonde above me.

"what does that look like?" he asks with a soft chuckle.

"i'm not sure really. i'm hoping with this new job i'll be making enough money to move and find a new apartment so i can get out of your hair. maybe in a few months i'll get a promotion if it all works out. i'll be happy with myself before i get into any new relationships." i stop myself knowing i'm probably boring my friend although he is the one who asked but when i looked back up to meet his eyes i was surprised to find him intently watching me.

"first of all laila elaine, i like you living here and you don't have to move out any time soon. second, you think way too damn much, i don't know how you don't make yourself sick." nothing he said was meant in a mean way and i knew it was coming from a place of genuine care and concern.

"that's just how my brain works i guess," i begin with a shrug. "i can't help but think about the future and what's coming." i moved my body so i am now sitting beside luke with my legs crossed.

he mimicks my position and turns to face me as well. "but what about the present?" he asks simply. "if you're always focused on the future, you may miss out on details in the present." he reaches over and takes one of my hands in his giving it a friendly squeeze.

i quietly hold eye contact with him as i try to process what he is saying. i knew he was right but i've always been one to set goals to reach so i never have to worry about being lost in life.

"laila," he hums, waving as hand in front of my face. "you are doing it again." a warm laugh escapes past his lips with a shake of the head.

"i'm sorry, i can't help it." i groan and cover my face with my hands, letting out a quiet laugh as well.

he smiles softly and pulls my hands from my face and holding them gently in his own. "don't think for once, just do." his voice comes out a bit softer this time as we hold each other's gaze.

"i don't know what that mea-"

i'm quickly cut off by his warm hands coming up to hold my face and press his lips to mine. my body instantly freezes but i flutter my eyes shut. before i have any time to react he pulls away.

"stop thinking." he whispered once more, still holding my face in his hands. i wasn't sure if this time he was talking to me or trying to convince himself.

i don't know what it is but my brain was moving too fast to process and my heart felt as if it was going to burst out of my chest at how fast it was beating. i could feel his breath on mine due to the close proximity of our faces and i leaned forward quickly closing the gap again.

i think this time it was his turn to freeze in shock but he was quick to respond as he began to kiss back. the warmth of his lips on mine was enough to cloud my head and take all of my attention. his large hands slowly moved from my face to my waist, pulling me closer and deepening the kiss. i moved my hand to his neck and brought the other down to grip his shirt as if to stabilize myself as our lips molded together. i ran my fingers through his hair as his tongue swiped my bottom lip as if asking for permission to which i quickly obliged. there was a short-lived battle for dominance as i quickly gave in to him. the whole kiss was quick but it didn't feel wrong. i felt as if i needed to be closer.

just as i moved so i was straddling his lap, a knock sounded at the door causing us both to pull away and turn our attention that way. after a few seconds and the knocking persisting, luke cleared his throat quietly. "uh, i should go get that."

my eyes widened slightly and i quickly moved from his lap back to my spot on the couch. "right sorry."

"no no, don't be." he rushed, giving me a small smile before hurrying to the door.

seconds later, michael's loud voice was heard throughout the small apartment. "jeez hemmings, we've been knocking for like five minutes, what were you doing? beating your meat again?"

a loud smack was heard followed by ashton's voice and michael grumbling. "michael! manners."

"uh.. what are you guys doing here?" luke asked causing the two boys to stop bickering.

"just here to see our best mates." calum smiled and crouched down to pick up petunia. "isn't that right piggy?" he asked, his voice going an octave higher.

luke nodded and stepped out of the way letting the three boys into the apartment.

"laila!" ashton greeted and leaned down pulling me into a hug as calum sat beside me with the dog in his lap.

"how are you doing?" ashton smiles as they all take their seats in the small living room.

"um better i guess." i quickly flash him a small smile before glancing over at luke who already seemed to be staring at me. i move to stand and scratch the back of my neck. "i was actually about to go make some popcorn, you guys want some?" when they all nod i hurry to the kitchen and let out a breath as i leaned on the counter.

what the hell was i doing?

{author's note}
omg here's an unplanned update for y'all because THIS STORY JUST REACHED 1K READS!
i actually can't believe it and i'm so so grateful for all of you who have read, voted, commented, and shared my story. (:
sooo, lula kissed. what do we think??
love you all!
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