#raisinwrites

“huh? oh. yeah. Knock yourself out”

“Cool” the clicks of the lighter sound out again. You turn to look at the stranger, the light from inside the party dimly illuminating both of you from behind, the flame of the lighter momentarily showing his features in better light.

“so,” He takes a drag of his cigarette “what brings you out here and not in there?”

You fiddle with the rings on your fingers. “i got a bit overwhelmed in there, wanted a bit of a breather before i go back in there and find my friend,” You turn and point in the general direction of where you saw her last, currently deep in the dancing crowd “she’s my ride home”

“ah, have to say with the way this party is going, i don’t know if you’ll be heading back home any time soon. Your friend seems to be having quite the time in there”

“yeah, figures”

You both return to silence for a while, him finishing off his cigarette while you gently drum your fingers to the music that bleeds out to where you’re sitting. The break in conversation didn’t feel as awkward as it usually does with people, you partially blame that on the alcohol. But something about this stranger feels easygoing.

“So, you asked me now i ask you” You throw out “aside from a smoke break, you don’t look in a rush to get back in there either”

“you caught me” He gently chuckles, jokingly raising his hands up lazily. “if you must know, i too needed a break from all that…I mean I like to party as much as the next guy but sometimes people and sounds get to be too much”

You feel yourself sobering up a little as you nod in agreement with his statement. You want to keep your buzz going, so you start to stand up getting ready to offer to get a drink for him as well.

“Well uh…” you trail off, you realise you haven’t asked his name yet.

“Luke” He smiles up at you

“yes, Luke. I am going to grab another drink, would you like one?”

Luke leans back, resting on his palms. “Whatever you’re having i’ll have too”

You bravely stumble back into the party, mission in mind.

You return, drinks in hand. You pass one to Luke and sit back down in your previously claimed spot.

He mumbles out a thanks as you both enjoy your drinks.

About an hour passes, conversation easily flowing just like the drinks you are having, neither of you making any move to return to the party.

“Man, she’s totally not taking me home tonight is she?” you chuckle, a little pissed off your friend who earlier tonight promised ‘it will just be in and out! i promised my friend we would make an appearance’ How you believed her is beyond you, you think with a smile

“I don’t know about you but i’m ready get out of here.” Luke stretches as he makes a move to get up “I live nearby, walking distance, if you’d like to tag along i was thinking of ordering in some really greasy shit probably a good pizza” He offers his hand to help you up.

Your stomach growls at the mention of proper food, the chips and other finger food at the party doing the bare minimum to satiate the hunger, especially with you being outside and the snacks being deep inside the party. “How can i say no to such an offer? Sure i’ll go to your place stranger. Promise not to murder me?”

“We’re not really strangers now are we? you know my name, i know yours” he pulls you up with ease ‘does he work out?’ you think. “Plus the walk back to mine should give us enough time to become even less of strangers, no promises on the murder thing, gee you know i just loooovee doing that all the time” he throws in at the end jokingly. You let out a big laugh as you both make your way out of the party.

You message your friend,

“So….” Vanessa’s tone of voice has a hint of teasing in it. “You going with anyone this year?”

You raise an eyebrow at her, what is she trying to suggest?

“You?”

“Nope. Wrong answer.” She pokes around her food, staring at you with eyes that say ‘You know.’

You do not know.

Okay that was a bit of a lie, it would be nice to go with Luke but you’re sure he’s going with all his friends and you really don’t want to intrude if he already has plans.

“Ask him.”

“What? No. I couldn’t, I’m sure he’s busy with plans to go with his friends…”

“Ask.” Vanessa takes another mouthful of the chicken with a finality that left no room to argue.

After that the conversation shifted to something else. Topics of work and Vanessas current projects filling the quiet apartment with laughter and enthusiastic conversation. With lunch finished the two of you moved onto having some drinks on your balcony, exchanging jokes and fond memories of college as the sun started to set.

Vanessa’s phone buzzes.

“Shoot, is that really the time?” She exclaims. You turn to look at her just as she’s getting up, you vaguely remember her saying something about a date tonight. You’re up and out of your seat along with her, taking her half empty drink off her hands as she scrambles inside to grab her things.

“Think about what I said m’kay?” Vanessa reminds you as she gives you a hug goodbye.

“Sure.” Waving her off, only shutting the door when the elevator closes. Turning around back into your apartment, you start to tidy up a bit.

Thinking about it was easy, deciding to do it is another thing. On one hand, it sounds like a lot of fun; you enjoy his company. On the other hand, you really don’t want to intrude if he has any plans, and you don’t want to be that guy that gets retroactively tacked onto plans just because they asked if the other one wanted to hang out at the same time. Overthinking is a beast you haven’t quite tamed yet.

Grabbing your phone, you type out the message.

‘Want to go to the opening night of the festival with me?’

Your thumb hovers over the send button, somehow your phone feels heavy in your hand as you run through the possibilities of sending versus not sending the message. You felt stupid for overthinking asking a friend to hang out, rationally you knew it was harmless. Steeling your nerves, you press send just as you receive a text from him.

‘Would you like to go to the first night of the festival with me? Heard there was going to be fireworks’

No way.

Three dots appear underneath his message, he’s writing something.

‘Haha no way! At the same time too!’

‘Does that mean you’re down to come with me?’

He’s a double, triple, quadruple texter. Your phone buzzes with each message back-to-back.

Your shock leaves you motionless for a second, you just had to text him the exact same thing at the same time. You were agonising over nothing, just to end up in an awkward situation. Only you see it as awkward though, on the other side of the screen Luke was beaming at receiving pretty much the same message he just sent looking back at him.

‘???’

Right. You were texting him.

‘I’d like to go with you if you’re down for that?’ You finally reply.

‘Haha how fucked up would it be if I said I didn’t want to?’ He’s teasing you. ‘Of course, I’ll pick you up from your place at about 6?’

‘Sounds good to me.’

‘It’s a date then 😎’

‘haha, sure👍’ Leave it to him to say something like that, you knew he didn’t mean it that way.

Vanessa was right. She was also currently gloating at the fact that she was correct. Once again on your lunch break, you were relaying to her that you ended up inviting Luke at the same time he did. Vanessa scoots closer to you, her voice dropping to just above a whisper “I never did mention him by name yesterday y’know…”

Your eyes widen, she didn’t.

“Yeah? Well, uhh…” You’re caught off guard, not sure what to say. Vanessa was holding onto that fact until after you told her about your plans, she was enjoying this. Whatever this was.

“Haha relax! I’m glad you’re going; besides I would have felt a little bad if you didn’t have plans since I do…”

“Oh? Plans?” This piqued your interest.

“I’m going with someone to the Young Astral set!”

“Anyone I know?”

“Hmm, no I don’t think so but they were at Luke’s party. We are into a lot of the same bands!”

“Nice! I’m glad you guys share interests; how dare you leave me to fend for myself though. Whatever will I do without you?” You playfully jab her; you couldn’t really get mad at her for that.

“Oh please, like I’d leave you hanging. Text me your outfit options later.”

Finishing up lunch, you return back to your desk and the pile of tasks left waiting as you mentally rummage through your closet. You wonder what Luke was going to wear, he’s probably way less worried about it than you are.

The weekend rolls around in the blink of an eye, work was busy enough to keep you occupied all week. Now was finally the time to have fun and unwind a bit. It was just past 4 PM, you’re putting away the last of the groceries when your alarm reminder to get ready goes off. Texting Vanessa to make sure she’s not going to be late to her date, you scurry off to have a shower. Taking your time putting on the outfit you and Vanessa agreed upon the other day, you add the finishing touches to your look as your phone pings. It’s Luke, he’s on his way.

For some reason, nerves settle in your stomach.

Why were you nervous? This is a hangout just like any other. Don’t be silly.

Shaking your head, you will yourself out of your train of thought. Grabbing your things you head out the door and into the elevator, you fiddle with your hair in the mirror, brushing down strays as the numbers get closer to the bottom floor.

Ding!

Stepping outside of the apartment building, you find a spot to wait for Luke. Your mind drifts elsewhere, running through scenarios and mundane tasks you need to get done at some point. Your eyes barely register his red car pull up right in front of you, he waved but you didn’t notice.

Honk!

You startle.

Winding down the passenger side window, Luke leans over the centre console of the car and beams up at you.

“You gonna daydream all day or are you going to get into this handsome stranger’s car?”

“Oh, shut up.” You roll your eyes; he took no time at all to kick off the jokes and annoyances.

Settling into his car, you buckle in after a quickly muttered ‘hey’. Luke gives you a quick once-over then starts the car and heads off; His playlist filling the otherwise quiet cabin of the car. The sun wasn’t going to set for at least another hour or two.

Arriving at the festival, you could already see the large crowd of people arriving and gathering at the pier and beach area. Finding a parking spot was a slight challenge with the amount of people but after circling around a bit, Luke managed to snag one for himself. The ignition is shut off, the music turning off with it. You’re about to open the door and get out when Luke grabs your attention.

“Hold on, I need you to do something first”

Taking your hand off of the door’s handle, you turn and look at him with slight confusion.

“Open up the glove box for me, will you?”

“Sure, what did you need from it?” reaching over and opening the compartment, you spot a sleek black box. Luke points to it.

“For you, go on; open it.”

With curiosity, you open the nondescript box. You were met with an accessory; the exact one you were eyeballing when you and Charlie were hanging out.

“Wha-how? This is-“ You’re flustered and excited as you try to express your gratitude.

“Charlie sent me a picture of it a couple of weeks back, I thought you’d like it”

You lean over the centre console and hug him.

“Oh my god this is-ah I don’t know what to say! Thank you!!”

He freezes up for a moment, then returns the hug.

“I’m glad you like it; I was a little nervous you wouldn’t”

Pulling back, you’re enthusiastically putting on the gift straight away. “Are you kidding? This is like, the coolest thing ever.”

He notices you’re fiddling with putting it on and moves to help you put it on. He’s close. Suddenly the car space feels smaller. With a bit of adjusting; it’s on.

“Shall we get going? I want to get on some rides before the fireworks” He’s grinning.

“Mhm!”

Of course he would take you on this kind of ride, why did you think this was going to be calmer rides like the smaller rollercoaster or even the teacups. You were nearing the front of the line for a ride that takes you up high then drops you without any warning. Your stomach was doing flips just even thinking about it, seeing the people ahead of you on the ride made your stomach do flips. All it took to find yourself in this situation was some simple goading from his end.

“What? You scared?”

That was all it took to do your best to prove him wrong, a resolve reared its head. Your turn was up. Luke grabbed your hand as he led you to an available seat right next to him. You clip yourself in and wait for the operator to come around and do the final safety checks. You turn to Luke who is grinning like an idiot, clearly, he enjoys these kinds of rushes: he’s even kicking his legs back and forth like this is the most fun a person could anticipate. You grip the safety bar, looking up at the sky and the tall, tall tower you’re going to be climbing; and at that very moment pray that you make it out of this alive. Proving him wrong was the last thing on your mind right now, you were nervous as all hell.

The mechanism starts to work, jostling you a little bit as you start to rise. You have to hand it to them; you get a really good view of the ocean and the festival below with this ride. But the fact that it is going to be dropping you at a high speed with 0 warning was enough for your nerves to take centre stage. You hit the top and the waiting game begins. You look at Luke yet again, his expression a total inversion of yours. He notices your stare and quirks his eyebrow at you.

“Isn’t this fun?!” He beams. “Any second now!”

Clunk!

The telltale sound that you were about to plummet down rings in your ears, your hand flies to Luke’s own hand out of pure instinct and anxiety. Grip strength you didn’t even know you had revealing itself in this very moment. Screwing your eyes shut, you feel your insides try to make their way out of your body due to the sheer force of falling.

“Oh fuuuuuuuuuu-“ is all that could be heard by the people in the line below you, paired with Luke’s overjoyed laughter at the sensation.

The ride slows and comes to its final stop, you’re released from the safety bars and you feel like your knees are going to give out the second they touch solid ground. Coming to your senses as you leave the ride, you realise you were still holding his hand.

“Haha that was too good! Oh, we should go to that one next!” Your horrified eyes follow his pointing, relief floods you as it looks like a much milder ride. He tugs you towards it, easily navigating the crowd with you in tow. Yes, you were scared, but thinking back on it, it was fun.

The two of you went on a few more rides; each time, spending the time in the queue chatting away and joking around. The sun was slowly setting and the crowds started to really grow. Leaving yet another ride, you hear the live performances kicking off and you’re reminded of Vanessa. You hope her date is going well.

“Ah man, performances are starting! Did you want to see any of them?” Luke was turning towards the direction of the sound, trying to hear if he recognised the group that was currently playing.

“I don’t really know any of the artists this year, but if you do then let’s go!”

He smiles at you, starting to work his way through the crowd and towards the stage area; only getting slightly sidetracked with his destination by one of the food trucks. He realises after all of those rides that the two of you should grab a bite. He orders some fries and drinks for the two of you, which you gladly accept.

Luke was scanning the program flyer nearby when his eyes light up with recognition.

“Yoo! No way!! ‘Young Astral’ AND‘Riot of the Red Light’? They’re performing?”

You were taking a sip from your drink when Luke’s excitement jostled you around. Why does it seem like everyone but you knew about these bands? No wonder Vanessa and Luke’s friends got along so well when they met.

“Oh, they’re starting their set now actually! Come on let’s go!” You’re joining the crowd all the way at the back, there was no way you were making it anywhere near the front at this point. The songs sounded semi familiar so you had no trouble going along with them. Looking around you manage to spot Vanessa and her date navigating around in the ocean of people, you send her a jokingly creepy text; attaching a picture you snapped quickly of her from behind. You knew she would laugh at that. Luke was as excited as ever, seemingly knowing every word as he records short snippets of the performance, you smile at his enthusiasm. You were struggling to see over the crowd now, but this was a common thing for you so you weren’t too fussed about it, Luke on the other hand noticed that there was no way you were able to see right now. He leans over to your side, getting close so you can hear him.

“Can you even see?”

“Not really! But it’s fine!”

“Like hell it is, come on, up you go!”

“What do you mean ‘up I go’, Whoa!” In an instant you’re being effortlessly hoisted up onto his shoulders. Catching your balance, you feel Luke’s arms steady you.

“Is this okay to do? Aren’t I heavy?”

“Oh please, I lift way more than whatever you weigh I promise.”

You laugh at his lack of concern for having a whole person weighing on his shoulders. You record some of the song while you have a view. Luke takes your phone out of your hand midway through the second snippet, flipping the camera around to record a video of the two of you moving about, he’s lip syncing dramatically and you can’t help the giddy giggle coming out of you at his eager energy. He manages to snap a couple of selfies before returning your phone to your hands again. His hands find their place on your legs to steady you as he sings along to the next song, your attention diverted away from the performance and to his arms. You could feel his biceps against your thighs moving as he danced along to the performance, clearly, he has a good workout routine because they looked really good from this angle. Staring just a bit too hard at his hands that were holding you in place, is it weird to think they were pretty? Your own hands rested on his head, playing with his hair a bit as you got a little too lost in thought, the song ended and you were none the wiser until he shifted to let you down from his shoulders. Feet hitting the ground once more.

“So, what did you think of the view?”

“Amazing,” You don’t think you were talking about the same thing.

“I knew you would, no way you were getting the full experience from down there. Tall people privilege or whatever they say.” He’s puffing his chest out with mock pride. He takes out his phone and checks the time.

“Looks like we have just enough time before the fireworks to get a proper meal in. What do you say?”

You realise you were hungry at that exact moment; you were too wrapped up in your own head to notice before but a slightly too overpriced meal from some random food stall sounded like heaven right now. Truly peak festival experience. Eagerly nodding your head at the suggestion, you take his hand and guide the two of you back in the direction of the food stalls and trucks.

Lining up and ordering from a kebab stall, you receive a portion from the man running it that could feed a small village. At least you won’t starve. Finding a spot to sit; the two of you devour the meal while doing some people watching. Luke managed to finish his kebab in a shockingly fast time. When you joke about him eating like ‘he’s been starved’ he quickly defends himself.

“A growing boy like myself has to eat, plus I’m so certain the amount of chicken he put in my kebab made me hit my protein target for the day. #sograteful” He nods like he’s dishing out the wisdom of the century.

“Please never speak in hashtag to me ever again,” You cringe. He snorts a laugh at that. Finishing your kebab, the two of you dispose of the wrappers and drink cups so that you can make your way to the beach and get a good view of the fireworks that were about to begin.

Managing to find a spot that is less crowded, you sit down on a grassy section of the beach, as to avoid the amount of sand you’re going to end up with in your clothes and shoes. Easy conversation flowed as you waited for the firework show to start.

Luke turned his attention fully onto you “Um, there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you actually”

Averting your gaze from the boat currently setting up the fireworks in the horizon, you return the attention. Feeling the seriousness and nerves in his voice.

“Sure, what’s up? What’s…wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong, quite the opposite really,”

You give him your full undivided attention, trying to wordlessly help him feel like he doesn’t have to be nervous to say whatever he wanted to tell you. Leaving silence to prompt him to go on.

“Well, we’ve known each other for a little while. And I feel like from the moment I’ve met you, it has just been so easy to be with you and like, I’ve never really had that with someone before. I feel like we have a connection that you don’t find easily and I cherish that. I really enjoy the time we spend together. You’re someone who has very quickly fit into my life, almost like you were meant to be there the entire time. Something that now that I know what it’s like, I don’t want to be without. And I’d be stupid to let you go…What I’m trying to say is, that I think that I-“

BOOM!

The firework show has started, and in that moment, you see his lips moving but you couldn’t make out what he was saying over the barrage of fireworks happening on the horizon.

“-and I’d like that if you do.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t quite catch that last part??” You tilt your head in confusion, trying to piece together what he was trying to tell you.

“Oh! Um, never mind! The fireworks are amazing, aren’t they?” He has an awkward smile, as he quickly changes the subject.

There are empty drinks in pretty much every corner you turn and look; evidence of a party. Pizza boxes and various snack bags laying around, and the most obvious piece of evidence of all; the people who didn’t make it home and were currently asleep in a variety of different positions. You do your best not to trip over the people in the hall and stairs, Luke offering his hand for some stability and stealth; doing your best to not wake anyone.

Once in the car, Luke makes sure you’re all buckled in and heads off. Still unsure of where exactly the two of you are going, you decide to sit back and tune into the music, let the scenery go by. Suburbia turns into highways and then to trees and winding roads. Once you’re on a more secluded stretch of forest road you feel the car speed up past the speed limit, the force holding you down to your seat bit by bit. You silently freak out; your mind starts racing with thoughts.

‘Does he realise he’s speeding down this secluded road? That we might encounter other drivers? Or cops?’

‘Oh my god, a bend is coming up! We’re going to crash I was so stupid to get in the car with someone without asking where we’re going!’ You’re gripping the seat as the bend comes closer and closer, you squeeze your eyes almost totally shut; not wanting your last moments to be in blind panic. You feel the car start to turn at speed; but you realise, in control. As the car comes out of the turn, you slowly pry open your eyes and let go of the breath you were holding. Loosening your grip on the chair, you turn to look at Luke with an expression that can only be described as panicked disbelief at what he just did. Luke was wearing a slight smile, not the least concerned with his actions two seconds ago, eyes steadily trained on the road ahead of him. You realise he’s in complete control of the car, that stupid move was completely calculated and you weren’t in as much danger as you originally thought.

‘Still’ You think ‘He could have warned me.’

“You looked like your soul was gonna leave your body” He laughed.

HE LAUGHED? You thought you were going to die and he laughs. You ought to strangle him right here right now.

“Not funny.”

“Oh, come on, relax! I do this all the time!” Luke’s eyes were still laser-focused on the road.

“All the time? As in drive like a madman down secluded roads?”

“Yeah, I mean aside from the time I get on the track, and the rallies. I do this route a lot, know it like the back of my hand.”

You stay silent.

“Look, I wouldn’t do anything that I wasn’t certain wouldn’t harm you. In fact, I took the corner a lot slower than I usually do. I got this.”

You’re really not letting go of the fact that what he just did was incredibly irresponsible. Doing your best to calm your frazzled nerves and try to trust the expertise that he seems to have, you notice the car has slowed back down to just a bit over the limit; that you can live with.

It’s still dark when you arrive at your destination, Where exactly? You probably should have asked that before getting out of bed, because you realise; you’re at a hiking trail.

“Hiking? It’s dark out and we were literally partying just a few hours ago.”

He doesn’t respond as he’s parking the car. Only giving you a nod in affirmation.

“You know if you wanted to murder me you had that chance when we first met. I don’t understand why you have to take me out to some hiking trail in the dark for that.”

“Oh, sure I do. Easier to hide the body that way” He shoots back easily. “Besides, we’re not going to go on that trail until the sun starts to come out properly. Granted we got here earlier than I thought we would so we’re going to have to wait a bit…”

“Yeah, because somebody over here drives like they don’t care if they die.” You’re still a little bitter about it, clearly.

“You liked it”

You don’t dignify that with a response. So, what if you did? You’re not going to tell him that, the idiot would probably gloat about it and never drive like a normal person with you ever again.

The parking spot for this particular trail had a nice view, so it wasn’t too bad that you have to wait until some sunlight to head out. Despite the view, you're nervously fidgeting, not quite sure of what to say or do now that the car ride is over and the waiting begins.

Just like the night you first met; you hear the sound of a lighter. This time the smell of weed hits you in the confined space.

"Wanna smoke with me?" He takes a hit, offering the joint to you " it's fine if you don't, I'll do it outside"

"Um…no it's fine, I've smoked before...it's just" you're playing with your fingers nervously, embarrassed about what you’re about to admit "I'm not the best at doing it, I always end up coughing a lung out."

"I can help you with that."

"You can?"

Luke turns his body towards you properly, he inches himself closer to you, His voice dropping just above a whisper "May I?"

You nod, a little confused on what he's about to do. Nonetheless deciding to trust him.

"When I nod, inhale through your mouth" Luke takes another hit, this time holding it in as he grabs the back of your head, gently guiding your face closer to his, he nods and you breathe in just as he's releasing the smoke into your now receiving breath. His lips are ghosting above yours. They linger for just a second too long, his gaze fixed on your eyes; flitting down to your lips then back at you.

You exhale.

"See? You didn't cough," he's softly praising you, the hand behind your head is now gently cupping your face "you did so well." Where his hands were making contact, you could feel heat spreading. The intimacy of your position not lost on you. Your mind runs back to that night on the couch where you were in a similar ‘compromising’ position and you thank the heavens you’re in an isolated area at this very moment. You don’t think you could take an outsider seeing you like this.

You feel shy, unable to squirm away from the feeling in your chest within the confines of this car. Luke lets go of your face, leaning back in his seat, he takes a couple more hits letting time pass as the sun slowly begins to rise, the dappled light filtering between the leaves of the trees an indicator that the morning was slowly beginning.

“Ready to go?” He asks as he grabs a bag from the backseat. You nod and make a move to get out of the car. Your mind still reeling from what just happened.

‘Friends do this all the time, don’t read into it too much.’ You affirm mentally as the two of you head to the foot of the trail.

“You look awfully prepared” You note, gesturing to the backpack.

“Oh yeah, I hike a lot. Clears your head.”

“Ironic with what we just did…”

“Hehe you still feeling it? I have a tolerance so it’s fine. You alright?” He’s examining you, making sure you’re good to do this hike. “I didn’t really plan on that earlier part, so it’s fine if you wanna bail.”

“No, I’m good. So long as you don’t get us lost, I’m fine with it.” You’re a little fuzzy but nothing unmanageable. The lack of sleep feeling like it’s taking more of a toll than the weed. A hike seems like the healthiest thing you’ll do all week. Hell, all month even.

“Alright! Let’s go then!” Luke somehow has the energy to be enthusiastic at this hour, you’re certain he slept less than you last night. He leads the way, easily navigating the path.

You’re about halfway through the trail when you start to get a bit out of breath, the inclines were just slightly steeper than what you expected and your lungs were playing catch up. You don’t exactly go on hikes, at best going on short walks during your longer lunch breaks at work; the intensity of the activity was starting to hit you. Luke notices the shift and slows down a bit to be by your side, he’s rummaging in his bag.

“Here, have some.” Water.

You gratefully take it, the few sips practically reviving you. With a satisfied sigh you hand it back to him.

“Thank you”

“Can’t have you dying before the best part now can we?” He offhandedly says while putting the bottle back in the bag. He’s pointing out plants, bugs and critters on your way; telling you all these fun facts he’s learnt over the years. You wonder where he keeps all this information but you intently listen in, he manages to make it all sound so interesting. Continuing your walk, you come across a lookout point. The dense trees thinning out to carve out a picturesque spot to take a break, you spot a large rock that has been worn down over the years by the many hikers before you sitting on it; no doubt taking in the breathtaking view. You sit down, Luke joins you. Letting out a sigh of relief from taking a break you allow the wind to mess with your hair a bit, not bothering to fix it just yet.

“See? The best part!” The sun is finishing it’s rise just in time for the two of you to catch a view of the sprawling forest below; and in the distance, the waking city. You look towards him, the morning sunlight is hitting just right, highlighting his features in a way that was unfairly ethereal. You’re so stuck in thought that you don’t notice he’s also turned to look back at you, a soft smile on his face as he catches you staring. Eyes widening at being caught, you quickly return your sights onto the expansive view ahead; he follows your lead. Neither of you say anything as you bask in the view and sounds. As the sun fully rises, the two of you continue hiking. The second half of the walk being easier than the first, finding comfortable conversation as you pass by trees, plants and birds.

Finally at the end of the trail, you feel accomplished that you survived being woken up before sunrise and taken on a nature walk. You high-five him in celebration, his face is flushed red from the long walk, he’s sporting a big smile. Heading back to the car, you check your phone; no signal. Oh well, I’m sure its fine…Vanessa is probably still sleeping God knows where. As Luke shuts the door and silence settles in the cabin of the car, your stomach decides now is the time to rumble.

Luke quietly laughs, dialling up your embarrassment.

“Let’s get breakfast.”

Nothing sounded better than some fast food right now, your mind was on what you were going to eat throughout the entire ride back into the city. You barely register that Luke is bringing the car into a drive through until the smell of the kitchen hits you. He greets the person on the other side of the speaker with enthusiasm, ordering a variety of things before turning to you; implying it was your turn to add to the order. As the order is read back and the total was given, Luke pulls up to the next window to pay for and collect the food. Your excitement for food was rising as the two of you waited for your order, the smoking and long hike making your hunger grow by the second.

Luke passes you a couple of bags donning the restaurants recognisable branding. You situate them on your lap as he puts your drinks in the cup holders, then he’s back to driving. As Luke was navigating the morning traffic, you were feeding him some fries here and there with an occasional nugget; just enough to hold the two of you off from destroying the contents in the bag straight away, opting to enjoy the meal back home. “Fancy style” as he put it, which just meant putting the food on actual plates using actual cutlery.

Pulling into the driveway and making your way back in, you notice that everyone who was straggling behind earlier were now gone. The only evidence of a party now being the slight mess that was still around; clearly someone started cleaning up some time after the two of you left the house. Setting down the bags, you set yourself down on the kitchen stools; Luke was too busy gathering the plates and cutlery to notice people coming downstairs.

“Look who decided to reappear!”

“Oh, g’morning Charlie! We got breakfast for everyone!” Luke gestured to the bags of food as he turned around.

“Don’t think you can bribe me with that, where were you? We thought you were face down in a ditch somewhere.” You could see Charlie was leaning to get a look better look of the contents of the bag. Her act of being worried was slowly cracking. Both you and her knew he did disappearing acts all the time.

“Oh please! I know you were too busy with Jonothan last night and this morning to be too worried about your dearest older brother. Besides, it’s none of your business.” He’s childishly sticking his tongue out at her, which she mirrors back. Jonothan was behind Charlie, blushing at Luke’s remark. He didn’t want to get involved and still got dragged into it so early in the morning.

“Did you get me my pancakes….”

“What do you take me for? Of course I did”

“We will talk about this later.” She remarks, squinting at Luke with scrutiny as she sits next to you; plating the pancakes she starts to eat them before anyone else can take a bite of their own food. As you begin to have your breakfast your mind wanders back to Vanessa.

‘I wonder where she is? I thought she would still be here…’ as you were running through all the possibilities your phone decides now is the time to play catch up on receiving texts. You see that you have one from Vanessa from just earlier this morning.

‘I saw you leave with him….’

She did?

‘Where are you?’ You decide to change the subject.

‘Bit of a late reply don’t you think? Where did you go? What did you do?’ She’s ignoring your question.

‘We went for a hike, then we got breakfast for everyone back at Luke’s. We’re eating rn. Soooo where are you?’ You were concerned about he whereabouts, but you suppose the fact that she’s still texting you means she hasn’t been kidnapped.

‘Relax lol. I had to head back home, had stuff to do I couldn’t leave hanging.’

You don’t reply to that message just yet, mouth full of breakfast.

‘A HIKE? Really? Hehe did you guys do something?’

There’s the follow-up.

‘WHAT? No?????? What the hell are you on about.’

‘Oh, you did do something. It’s only a matter of time before I find out what exactly.’ It’s too early for this, you decide that’s the end of this conversation for now. Putting down your phone you tune back into the conversation happening in front of you.

“So, Sierra ended up wrangling everyone into a taxi back to their hotel a bit after you guys headed upstairs, Jay kept on going on about someone but no one could really make out what. He had A LOT to drink and smoke last night haha.” Charlie recalls some snippets of last night. You didn’t really catch a glimpse of her at the party, you didn’t realise she would be there.

“Yeah, sounds like them…I’ll make sure to call them and make sure it’s all good later.” Oddly responsible coming from Luke.

You’re finishing up your breakfast, absorbing the idle conversation when you make eye contact with Luke. The scene of you and him shot-gunning in his car floods back into your mind and you’re trying so hard not to, feeling the embarrassing thoughts and emotions crawling their way up and making a home in your chest; like how you kind of wanted to kiss him. It’s like he knows you’re thinking about it because a smug knowing smile is quickly shot your way, before being replaced with a neutral expression when Charlie focuses her attention back on him.

The short ride to Luke’s place was spent with Vanessa fixing up the small little details you missed while getting ready, for whatever reason she’s quite insistent on it tonight. The car finally rounds the corner to Luke and Charlie’s place.

“This is where he lives? Are you kidding me” Vanessa is practically pressed up to the glass. The poor driver is going to have to clean that…

“It’s nice, isn’t it?”

“NICE? Are you kidding? Ocean-front, Modern? In California? This is more than nice” her architecture nerd slips out, that’s the Vanessa you know from college.

You thank the driver as the two of you get out. You hear the muffled sound of music inside, there are some people on the front lawn having drinks and conversation. Vanessa takes lead, not even bothering to ring the doorbell; like anyone would hear or answer it anyway. Inside, the familiar home is now filled with people, the smell of alcohol and weed. Vanessa takes your hand, not wanting to lose you to the crowd. She easily weaves through the crowd as she looks for the source of drinks or a familiar face; whichever comes first.

“Over here!” You hear off to the side. You scan the crowd and spot Nicole waving you over. You attempt to weave through the crowd just as ‘Ness did earlier but it was obvious she was more skilled at it than you. Squeezing past the last line of people, you are met with some familiar faces, and some new.

“Hey! Glad you could make it!” Nicole greets the two of you with a drink in each hand, she lifts them up in offering. Your eyes quickly glaze over the group of people Nicole is with, Cassie and Mel are both there; Luke isn’t. Vanessa quickly introduces herself and starts making the rounds with everyone. Nicole slides over to your side and quietly remarks “If you’re looking, he’s near the pool with the others”

“Wha-Who said I was looking? For who?”

“Oh come on don’t be coy here, you know who” She’s playfully nudging you with her elbow. She points in the general direction. “Go on!” Nicole cheers you on, you decide to take her word for it and head that way.

Dodging another group of people, you spot him before he spots you. He’s with some people you don’t know; six others. He seems to be in familiar conversation with a redhead guy. You’re debating whether or not to get in there, hesitation creeping up on you. As you’re mentally debating, Luke looks up and notices you, he waves you over; now you have to go over there. You wave back and enter the circle of people.

“You came!”

“What like I wasn’t supposed to? You made sure I would just this morning” You joke.

“Yeah, fair enough” He laughs.

“You gonna introduce us?” The redhead interrupts, smiling at you as he gives you a once-over.

“Oh right! Let me make the rounds” Luke introduces them one by one. You learn the mint haired girl is Sierra, the one with micro bangs and curls is Frenchy, the two quiet ones chatting amongst themselves are Honey and Kim, the guy in the beanie is Quint and the redhead Luke was just chatting with is Jay. You honestly don’t know if you’ll be able remember them all but still nod along. Jay stands next to you; he leans on your shoulder.

“Luke and I go way back, he stayed at my place when he did his exchange year in Australia back in what you guys call middle school, year 8 for us.”

You raise your eyebrows at that, he never mentioned living in Australia for a year.

“Yeah, we used to get up to some shit, I taught him everything I know.” Jay smiles fondly.

“Ha! If making bongs with a Gatorade bottle and hose was ever considered a sparkling education” Luke jokes back. “I recall teaching you some things as well, it wasn’t all take!”

“Ah but we can’t talk about that now can we!” That comment left you curious, but it seems neither of them wanted to divulge any details on that.

The rest of the group joined into the conversation bit by bit. You found yourself striking up easy conversation with Sierra, who was telling you all about how she manages the groups stream schedule and special events. She seems to like what she does. As the sun sets, Luke’s American friend group and Vanessa meld into conversation with the Australian Squadron. Quite a crowd.

“I’m going to go get another drink” you say to no one in particular.

“Oh! I’ll come with!” It’s Jay, he seems to be sticking around you. You don’t reply, instead start heading off in the direction of the coolers

“So…” He’s leaning against the wall as you rummage through the selection of drinks, trying to find something you like. “Did you come here with someone?”

“Hm? Oh yeah, my friend Vanessa over there.” you jerk your head in the direction of where you last saw her.

“Ah so not with someone?” He asks, noticing you’re still rummaging for a drink. “Here, let me mix you something instead. It going to be a million times better than whatever you’re going to find in there”

Giving up on your quest for anything you like in the cooler you get up and let him make you something. He walks over to the table with drinks and cups set up and gets to work expertly mixing various spirits together. The result is a gradient drink with a slice of fruit floating on the top.

“A pretty drink for a pretty person such as yourself” he says with a smile. You shy away at the comment, not expecting it in the slightest.

“Heh, Thanks?” You take a tentative sip, it’s good. “Mm! This is better than what I was going to choose.”

“You’re talking to the drink expert after all” Jay puffs up at the complement. “So…no partner here with you tonight or no partner at all?” He tries asking in a more direct manner, leaning an arm against the table. Feeling a little bit under the microscope you answer him nonetheless.

“No partner.” You keep your response short.

“I find that hard to believe! So, you’re saying I have a shot?”

“Haha uh...” You’re really shying away from the attention he’s giving you right now. “That’s-Umm” Struggling to find what to say next, gee the ground looks awfully interesting right now.

“Don’t get shy on me now” Jay teases as he swings an arm around your shoulder. “I’d be an idiot to not shoot my shot with someone like you, I mean look at you!”

Your introverted side is not used to this kind of attention, you’re trying your best to come up with a way to let him down gently “I mean, I’m flattered and all but- “

“They’re not interested Jay, back off.” You hear Lukes’s voice.

“Yeesh, Y’know you could have let them say it themselves” Jay says dejectedly, removing his arm from around your shoulders in faux surrender. He heads back in the direction of the group, shaking his head; you miss the teasing smile he shoots Luke as he passes by.

“Sorry about him, he’s a bit relentless sometimes”

“Haha it’s fine, just not used to that kind of attention -or rather- wasn’t expecting it!” You take another sip of the drink Jay made you to break up the feeling in your chest, you laugh awkwardly.

“Come on” Luke gently takes your hand, “We should head back there, you’ve been gone for a hot minute; Nicole was asking about you.”

“Oh, right…”

He notices your hesitation. “It’s fine. If it’ll make you feel better, I won’t leave your side for tonight. Jay’s harmless, but he can be a bit much.” You nod in agreement, letting him lead you back to where everyone was.

And he didn’t lie, Luke was stuck by your side like glue for the night. Where you went, he went. Vanessa and Nicole noticed, oh they absolutely noticed and were whispering to each other like there was no tomorrow. You were too busy letting out your social side, the drinks you had were loosening you up as you hoped they would. A while passes like this, you talked with Cassie about his tattoo work and everyone was very enthusiastically showing you the work he did on them, Luke seemed to be a frequent customer of his. As you were talking about your college days with a couple of people, a particular song started playing that had you widening your eyes in excitement ‘Man! Did this bring you back!’ You drum your fingers against your thigh to the beat.

“You look like you wanna dance” Luke teases.

“Pshh-what? No…”

Before this little back and forth can continue though, Vanessa is taking you towards the crowd of dancing people; moving you and her about just like she did in your college days. “COME ON! You know you wanted to!!” She was right, you did. The two of you jumped about and did the “routine” you worked out over the years to the song, which was really just some uncoordinated dance moves mushed together. But hey, who was keeping track of that? As the song ends you take a second to catch your breath, you really don’t move like that often and adulthood really takes a toll on your physical capability. As you’re about to tap out though, another song starts up that really brings you back.

“Man, this playlist is good!” You offhandedly remark. Vanessa was still up and at it, her energy knows no bounds and you see her being swept away by another dance partner for this song.

“Thanks, I made it.”

You think you just about gave yourself a heart attack. You turn around to find Luke right behind you.

“Care to have this dance, your majesty?” He extends his hand to you, as if he were addressing someone of the royal court. You snort at the bit.

“Why yes, I do” Putting your hand in his, you start to dance with him. The moonlight and scattered fairy lights illuminate the two of you, Luke’s face is wearing an unabashed smile and you can’t help but smile just as big as the two of you move however you feel. The song feels like it goes on forever and it’s just him and you in this moment, you wish it could have lasted longer. But as the song fades out, so do your dance moves. He’s looking straight at you, neither of you making a move to get off the dancefloor just yet. He looks like he has something to say but as quickly he opens his mouth to say anything he’s closing it just as fast.

“What?” you smile, a little out of breath.

“Nothing” He grins right back at you, leading you away from the dancing crowd.

“Hey! If it isn’t the dancer duo!” Nicole welcomes the two of you back to the group, “You made it back just in time, we were about to light the bonfire on the beach!”

“Sweet! Would have sucked if we missed out on that” Luke strikes you as the kind of guy to keep a fire going at a party, so it’s no surprise he’s excited about this. Nicole takes your hand as she leads you through the back fence gate to the beach of the property. Sitting down on one of the available seats you watch as Luke, Jay and Quint get busy lighting the fire. Nicole and her girlfriend sit down next to you, the three of you watch as the guys work at the flames.

“What do you think of him?” Nicole points to Luke with a nod of her head.

“Think of him? He’s a good friend? What, am I not meant to?” Frankly, you’re a little confused about her question.

“Oh my god, Vanessa was right…” Nicole put her head in her hands, her girlfriend Teresa was patting her back in sympathy.

“Luke’s a good guy. He’s helped us through some tough times.” Teresa is looking towards Luke as she speaks, “Give him a chance, he may not be the most direct guy, but he means well.”

Yeah, that really clears it up. Aren’t you already giving him a chance? You guys are already friends?

“What Teresa means is- “

“Okay you two. Move over, I wanna sit here.” Luke cuts Nicole off before she can finish. She gives him a look that says she really wants to ignore his interruption and finish her sentence but she relents. You look at Luke in your peripheral vision as he sits down, he almost looks embarrassed. Huh.

“My friends mean well; They also love to stick their noses in my business” He’s sending a ‘not quite mad’ glare their way as Nicole and Teresa sit a couple of seats down from the two of you. Teresa sticks her tongue out at him in childish retaliation.

“I know what that’s like, I have one of those of my own.” You relate.

You spend the rest of the night in front of the bonfire, talking with everyone about a variety of topics. The ocean air bites at you, the outfit you chose being on the fresher side since it’s summer, the bonfire does little to shield you from the cold gusts that come. You feel something wrap themselves around your shoulders, you notice Luke has given you his jacket.

“S’cold, don’t get sick…”

You feel the leather as you pull it closer to your body, feeling relief from the wind. You lean on his shoulder.

“Thanks”

You hear him mutter something, but with the conversation flittering about and the sound of the waves crashing down you don’t quite hear him. You tune into other’s conversations, only really half listening as all the drinks you had settle into you manifesting as exhaustion. You fight the feeling, knowing that you’re still very much in a social situation, but the warmth of the jacket and the fire along with the sounds of the ocean are a recipe for sleep. Luke notices this and nudges you.

“Hey, come on let’s not fall asleep here.”

“Hm?”

Luke gets up and offers his hand to you. You gladly take it as he pulls you up onto your feet. He doesn’t say a word as he leads you away from the bonfire, through his backyard and back inside the house, where he guides you up the stairs to his bedroom. There aren’t too many people left at this time of the night, which you’re grateful for since you doubt you could navigate a crowd in this state. Luke leads you into his room, shutting the door behind him.

“Here” He’s throwing something your way, with your drunk reflexes you manage to half-catch it last second, with your face. Pulling the object off of your face you realise it’s a shirt. You stare at it, a little confused.

“I doubt you’d want to fall asleep in that outfit, use my bathroom. Get changed.” You heed his instruction and hobble over into the room. Getting out of your current outfit was a bit of a challenge but you seem to manage it efficiently enough. Stepping out donning a much more comfortable outfit you find that Luke has also changed into sleepwear. Noticing you’ve made it out, he’s lifting the blanket on his bed and slipping in, you follow his actions.

“G’night” You mumble out, rest coming easily in this very moment. You feel arms around you just as you slip into sleep.

“Hi guys!” A voice calls out from the entrance behind you, a welcome intrusion. With a sigh of relief you turn around to wave to the blonde.

“Hey Mati! It’s been a while!! The IT department has been keeping you busy, haven’t they?”

“You have no idea; I’m helping on projects I haven’t technically been assigned to but my manager wants me to do anyways” Mati sighs as they slump into one of the available chairs in the small break-room.

Vanessa poked at her salad as you idly chit chatted with your fellow coworker. She knows this is your way of avoiding saying the next part of your catch-up conversation. She’s not letting you go that easily.

“Out with it, I know there’s more to it.”

Busted.

“Ooh what are we talking about?” Mati curiously leans in as they unwrap their homemade lunch, probably made by their partner.

“Someone,” Vanessa points at you with an accusatory glare “Has been having some interesting turn of events while I have been out of town. She met with a famous person and now I KNOW there’s something else”

“I was going to get to that part eventually” you mumble, it’s true you tell Vanessa everything as does she. “Well…Uh…I couldn’t sleep, you were busy with your stuff. Luke couldn’t sleep either it turns out. And he ended up coming over at about 2:40 in the morning.”

Vanessa’s eyes widen slightly. She is getting used to hearing about this guy coming over often; But to hear that he’s coming over so late in the night? She’s a bit apprehensive. “Continue…” She goads.

“We chat a bit on the couch, but I end up suggesting that we could try to sleep together, in the same bed! not SLEEP together,” You feel the need to clarify that lest your friends and coworkers have the same misunderstanding you had the other night “and we end up talking all night like you and I do ‘Ness! And it worked; we fell asleep!”

“You gave me a mini heart attack there I thought you finally jumped him or he jumped you” Vanessa says through a mouthful of her lunch.

You start blushing furiously at her suggestion that you did that and were just very proudly telling her about your escapades at your workplace’s lunch room. “NO! What? We’re just friends? Don’t be silly ‘Ness”

“Mhmm” She hums condescendingly.

“Anyways” You continue “We end up making a deal that we can let each other know when we can’t sleep and we can help”

“Oh, that’s funny that you have a friend named Luke too!” Mati interjects “It’s such a common name, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, I suppose it is” “Sure could be” You and Vanessa agree in unison.

“There’s more isn’t there…” Vanessa’s intuition is rarely wrong.

“We kind of maybe, sorta, possibly ended up cuddling” you say quietly “Y’know, like friends do…nothing else”

…

“WHAT!?” ‘Nessa stands up from her chair in disbelief, she quickly regains composure and sits back down. You’re going to give her a heart attack from your obliviousness. “And nothing else happened? You invite a man into your home late at night, bring him to your bed and NOTHING happened?”

“Like I said, nothing happened. As friends do”

Vanessa has her head in her hands as Mati finishes off their lunch. “Oops sorry guys I have to rush back! Great hearing about your weekend!” They wave off as they scurry back to the IT department. You wish them good luck with everything over there, you know how busy it gets on that side of the building.

“So, anyway could I get an autograph from Jonothan?” Vanessa pesters you as the two of you are back at your workstations.

“Haha I’ll see what I can do" you muse, logging into your computer so you can return to the work you left for after lunch.

Getting home at around 5 was something of a miracle; work has been keeping you late for the past month or so due to some big project pretty much every department has to have hands on deck for. Putting down your belongings and removing the most constricting and uncomfortable parts of your office attire is the first thing you do as you lazily shut your apartment door. Sending Vanessa and Luke separate texts that you got home safe, the next item on your after work routine list is to grab a sweet treat from the kitchen and slump down on your little table out on your balcony and drink in the sunset. The sounds of the city fill your ears as you hear people and vehicles all moving along like ants, trying to get to wherever they’re going this evening. As much as you’d like to, you can’t spend too much time idling around this afternoon since you promised Vanessa you'd meet her for drinks later; with a tired sigh you get off your ass and get ready to head back out.

“Man it feels like ages since the last time we properly went out” ‘Ness laments as you get in the taxi parked in front of your apartment.

“I know, work has been so hectic I forgot we ever had free time before”

“I’m just glad I was able to get you out of the house” She laughs, she pokes your ribs.

“Yeah yeah” You nudge her playfully “You are totally paying for the first round, call it a celebration of me getting out of the house”

The taxi comes to a stop near the bar. Making sure the two of you have all your things, you get out of the car; not before tipping the driver of course. Vanessa hooks her arm with yours as you walk to the entrance of the bar, ready to have a bit of fun opposed to work related stress for a change.

Vanessa does the honour of ordering your first round of drinks, insisting they be shots. She says something about ‘Not wanting to waste our time on drinks that are practically water’; to that you mentally reply that it’s barely 8pm. The two of you enjoy a drink of your choice that is “practically water” after her round of shots, you really didn’t want to be off your face so early on in the night. Enjoying conversation and laughter you spend a while sipping on your drink as Vanessa gains a 2 drink advantage, admittedly Vanessa is much less of a lightweight than you are so the extra drinks don’t do too much to her.

You feel someone tap your shoulder, you turn around and are met with a familiar face.

“Hello stranger” Luke’s smiling at you.

“Wuh-Luke! Hi!” You give him a quick hug hello, “What are you doing here?”

“Same as you I suppose, getting some drinks with a couple of my friends”

An ‘AHEM’ rings in your ears, reminding you that you’re accompanied tonight.

“Oh! Luke, meet Vanessa! Vanessa, Luke” You introduce the pair, you know the two of them are recalling whatever you have said about the other throughout the thousands of times you have mentioned them in their absence.

“So this is the famed Luke huh? Glad to finally put a face to the name” Vanessa extends her hand, Luke shakes it.

“Likewise, this is the Vanessa I’ve heard so much about! Say, would you two like to join my friends and I tonight? We’re right over there” Luke points to a booth with some people loudly talking with each other, you can hear laughter already. Vanessa being the ever-social butterfly takes him up on the offer without hesitation before you can even ask her if she’s up for it. Luke claps his hands together with a smile.

“Then it’s settled! Come with me guys.” He walks back towards his friends, the two of you in tow.

“Luke! Already picking up people? We just got here man, can it wait until we’ve at least had something to drink?” A girl with long silver hair ‘berates’ him as she notices you and Vanessa.

“Oh come on Nicole, you said you wanted to meet them. Well here they are!” Luke gestures his arms to you; you shyly wave at the eyes that set on you.

“Wait as in the one that you can’t stop ta-“ Luke quickly interjects Nicole, as if she was going to reveal something compromising about him.

“HA! Look you got to meet them before everyone else, let’s not embarrass me so early on! Please ‘Cole?” He says as he slots himself next to her. Luke grabs you to sit down next to him as Vanessa sits across from you, next to a guy with wavy blonde hair and a freckled girl. Before the silence can get too awkward a server brings a tray of drinks. “Sorry to bother you but can we get 2 extra drinks for the table?” Luke adjusts the order to fit you and Vanessa into their night of drinking. The server nods and returns to the bar.

“Well, if that’s the case then. Let me introduce everyone” Nicole gestures around the table “I’m Nicole, this guy over here is Cassie and next to him is Melanie, but we all call her Mel.” Luke’s friends all wave when mentioned.

You introduce yourself, always a bit awkward around strangers at first. Vanessa gives you a reassuring nudge under the table. Vanessa follows after you, easily talking to people she barely knows is one of her many admirable talents.

“Ah and here I thought we would all have to wait until the party to meet you” Mel says as she takes a sip from her drink.

“Uh what party?” You’re confused.

Nicole turns to face Luke, an incredulous look on her face. “It’s this weekend and you haven’t told them yet? You kept on telling us you were going to!”

“I was gonna call and ask them tonight! Swear...” Luke pathetically replies.

“They’re here now, go on. Ask!” Nicole nudges him.

“Some friends from overseas are coming here this week, I’m holding a party with them at my place this weekend…I was wondering if you wanted to come?”

“Of course we’re going!” Vanessa accepts the invitation for the two of you, being one to never pass up an opportunity to go to a party. Despite Vanessas response to the invitation, Luke keeps his eyes trained on you; waiting for you to reply.

“Sure! Sounds like fun!” You agree.

The drinks flow freely at this table you notice. With every round, you feel confidence come to you as the volume of the now full bar dulls down to a comfortable muffle and your social side comes out with the company you keep; gone is the initial awkwardness of the night. Joking with everyone at the table as if you were all old friends, Luke puffs up with pride at how easily you mesh in with his closest friends; he puts his hand over yours underneath the table and is pressing his leg close to yours. Nicole and Vanessa notice Luke’s demeanour and give each other a knowing look, seems those two share similar personalities and are getting along very well.

“And then this guy! You know what he does? He somehow gets himself stuck in a chair!” Cassie is recalling something stupid from his and Luke’s youth with a fond smile and a laugh. “We had to call the fire brigade to get him out, I don’t even speak Spanish so it was hard enough to get help!” He says between tears.

“We should have left him there to figure it out and gone back to the hotel” Mel guffaws out.

You’re laughing so hard, you barely notice Luke leaning on you until he speaks up defending himself. “I thought I was going to have to live stuck in that chair forever! I can’t believe you would even think of leaving me in there”

“But we didn’t” Cassie counters. Conversation drifts elsewhere as you finish one of your many drinks.

As the night draws to an end, you’re outside hailing a taxi to get Vanessa and you back home. As you finally manage to get one you call out to Vanessa, who was hanging back talking to Luke about something.

“What was that about?” You curiously ask.

“Nothin’ much” Vanessa stumbles out. You shake your head in false disappointment at her lack of detail, she’s up to something; that much you know. As you get settled in the taxi Luke calls out to you.

“See you this weekend?”

‘What do I have to do tomorrow? list off the tasks in order. Reorganise them. Run through scenarios.’

‘Visualise a place where I am calm, a place where I am at peace just by being there’

No. Nothing is working; sometimes boring himself with trivial thoughts affords him at least a little bit of shut eye in this scenario.

Not tonight it seems.

Luke sits up in his bed, he admits defeat and looks at the time on his phone.

‘2:17 AM’ The numbers stare back at him; he sighs as he feels that desperation settle in his stomach. He’s been trying to sleep since 9:30 PM.

“I just want to be asleep” He anxiously runs his hands across his face and hair.

As he says that, his phone quietly pings with a notification. He glances at his phone; he’s obviously not sleeping tonight so he might as well look.

‘You awake?’

It’s you.

‘I am…. what are you doing still awake? Work have you doing another all-nighter?’

‘Nope. Can’t sleep :/‘

Luke feels a little reassured that at least he isn’t alone in this situation, though he’s certain the reasons for why either of you can’t sleep are different, you are still in the same boat.

‘Me neither’ He turns on the lamp beside his bed ‘tried all my usual tricks, looks like tonight isn’t a night that I sleep’

‘Wish I was asleep right now’ You don’t know why you’re messaging him, you kind of did it on autopilot since you’re always texting him. As you sent that first message you felt a little bad, worried you might have woken him up or that he was going to see that message whenever he woke up and it would have been awkward to have a missed ‘you up?’ text from a friend sitting in his notifications.

Your phone starts buzzing in your hand, you jump a little from the sudden noise in your quiet apartment. These past few weeks you learnt he likes to call rather than text whenever the two of you are able to. You’re still getting used to calling instead of texting, since you text all of your friends and only really call them to get them to answer the door or get an urgent message through.

“Hello?” your voice comes out a little awkward, having not really used your voice since you got home from work.

“hey” He’s speaking softly, Charlie must be home and asleep in her room. “Is it okay if we talk this way?” His voice sounds deeper, tired and soft. You shake away any straying thoughts from your head, your friend is calling because they can’t sleep, get your head in the game.

“Uh, yeah” you roll over to the side where your bedroom window is, looking outside at the night sky.

You hear shuffling on the other side, a beat of silence passes.

“This might sound a little silly…but could we hang out right now? I kind of don’t want to be alone tonight” He asks. You can hear the slight hesitation in his voice, how he said that last part a lot quieter than the first.

You nod, before realising he can’t see you. “Come over” your quiet voice rings through Luke’s speaker. You swear you can hear a faint sigh of relief at your response.

“I’ll be there soon”

The dial tone beeps.

You’re in the kitchen, having a late-night hot drink when the buzzer rings. You pad over to the small screen affixed your wall, seeing Luke’s familiar figure.

You buzz him in, shortly after there is a soft knock on your door.

“hey” you greet as you open the door to let him enter your apartment.

“hey” he mirrors back.

You get a good look at him; his figure is hunched over and showing obvious signs of exhaustion and anxiety. It’s strange to see the guy who is always smiling throwing joke after joke like this. You shut the door and lead the two of you to settle down on your couch.

“You look like shit” you joke.

He lets out a small laugh “Thanks, you too” he’s looking up at your barely tamed hair and mismatched choice of pyjamas. You both share a chuckle; Luke relaxes a bit.

“So neither of us could sleep tonight huh?”

“noPe” Luke pops the ‘P’ as he leans his head back on your couch, getting comfortable.

“I tried all of my usual tricks, hell, I even counted sheep” you recall.

“Did you get far?”

“I got up to about 260 sheep before I gave up, I don’t think anyone needs that many anyway”

“That sounds like way too many”

You really want to ask him why he can’t sleep but glancing over at him you can tell he definitely wants to think about anything but whatever is on his mind right now. You brush it aside for another time, if ever. You return to the topic at hand; the lack of sleep blighting the two of you right now. You’re twiddling with your fingers as a possible solution comes to mind, you hesitate a little bit before steeling yourself to suggest your idea.

“What if we slept together?”

Luke’s head turns to look at you so fast you fear it may snap.

Oh wait.

You realise the mistake in your wording.

“NO WAIT THAT CAME OUT WRONG!” You’re blocking the stupid mischievous look slowly spreading on his face with your hands as you hear him start to spew out teasing words, there’s the Luke you know again.

“You haven’t even wined and dined me yet”

You try to cover his mouth so he’ll shut up. He easily removes your hand without any difficulty

“Man, I knew I was irresistible, but to try to bed me when I’m in such a state? Wooowww, you dog”

You’re embarrassed, you should have known he would have taken your words the wrong way as they were coming out of your mouth. ‘Ground swallow me up now, I’m ready to go’ is all you can think as you turn red.

“You know that’s not what I meant!” as you say that you realise that this “misunderstanding” prompted a bit of a wrestling situation as Luke’s teasing and your need to hide and make him shut up at the same time put the two of you in a bit of a position. A position that if anyone were to walk in, they would hurriedly muster up a ‘sorry, you’re busy’ and back out of the room. Thank goodness you don’t have roommates.

Luke relents his teasing; feeling he has done enough. “Okay okay,” He repositions himself back on his side of the couch, letting you get back up as well, “What did you mean then?”

“What if we just, went to bed together. Talked there? No pressure to actually fall asleep. You know, sleepover style where you talk all night but somehow along the way you seemingly pass out?”

Luke never thought of that as a way to combat his sleeplessness, but you had a point. He felt a bit confident with your idea, having someone by his side while trying to sleep might curb his overthinking.

“Ya know what, that’s not a bad idea,” He’s stroking his chin as if he had a long beard “Let’s do it”

As you’re leading him over to your room your mind thinks over to your friend Vanessa, who you’re certain would be having a field day if she heard of what was currently happening. You can hear her voice now ‘YOU? Leading a MAN?? To your room late at night??? I’m not ready to be a cool aunt yet’ you smile and shake the thought out of your head. Vanessa can find out later. Currently Luke and you were insomnia warriors, ready to fight sleeplessness and win.

You didn’t fix your bed when you got up earlier so slipping back in was as easy as ever. You pat the empty side of the bed inviting him to join you, Luke hesitates for a split second before removing his hoodie; leaving him in his beloved band t-shirt he uses for sleep. He gets into the opposite side of the bed and mirrors your action of facing each other to talk.

Just like a sleepover, silly late-night conversations flow easily. Luke’s earlier demeanour of tension and nerves shifting to a lighter one as the two of you talk about nothing and everything all at once. You’re both laying on your backs, finding talking up to the darkness of the night freeing; like you can say whatever comes to mind. As Luke is recounting his various spontaneous adventures you feel the familiar and very welcomed sensation of sleep taking over.

“Hey"

"Mm?" You hum, sleep just about taking you.

"Let's make a deal"

You keep your eyes shut, silence prompting him to continue

"Whenever you can't sleep, you can always pester me. Y’know; Call me, beep me, if you wanna reach me"

You turn around to face him

"Was that a Kim possible reference…"

"No..." You can hear the smile in his voice.

"You dork. It's a deal," Before dozing off you add "and you have to do the same."

Silence envelops the two of you, finally able to sleep.

Sometime throughout the night the two of you end up in a tangle of limbs. As you wake up between dreams you feel the weight of an arm keeping your back glued to his slowly rising and falling chest, as you try to readjust you feel said arm hold you tighter. Seems his subconscious doesn’t want to let you go; What’s that about? Before going back to sleep you think about the other side of Luke, the little glimpse you got tonight sparking your curiosity and need to understand him.

The next morning Luke wakes up feeling unusually rested considering how late he ended up finally sleeping. He recalls falling asleep by your side but as he turns to your side he notices that it’s empty. He gets up, eyes still heavy from sleep as he makes his way to your living room. He finds you in the kitchen plating up an incredibly delicious breakfast. You seem to notice him at the last second, a smile spreads on your face as you greet him good morning.

“Welcome to the land of the living sleeping beauty!” You joke as you put down the final plate of breakfast options on the table. “I didn’t know what you wanted for breakfast but I didn’t want to wake you up to ask so I just made a bit of everything.”

Luke settles into the dining table chair, a dopey smile and messy bedhead accented by the sunlight that filtered in through the balcony sliding door. The two of you enjoy your varied breakfast in light conversation.

Today was one of those rare days you have your apartment to yourself, it feels a little strange. You woke up decently early for your standards, treading out to the living room only after having some phone in bed time. Taking a look around your apartment you realise a bit of a clean is in order, so you put on your go to playlist and get to work.

It looked like it was going to take longer but after all that sweating, running around and off-key singing, you check your phone to see that it’s only 11 A.M. Moving some stray hairs out of your slightly sweaty face, you decide it was a good idea to treat yourself with some form of sweet treat from your favourite local café and some window shopping. You take a quick shower and put an effort into dressing up a little, accessorising and putting a bit of flair to your look. Grabbing your tote-bag, you’re out the door and on your way.

The door to the café rings as you push it open, the sounds and smells you have grown to love over the years flooding your senses. Making a beeline to the counter, the barista recognises you and greets you with a smile.  You smile back, rattling off your usual order and adding a pastry for good measure. There was no need to tell them your name, you’ve spent countless hours here ever since your last year in college; finishing assessments and homework while being a little bit too caffeinated sometimes.

You take a seat, now able to have a proper look around, you see that it’s quite busy today; an electric buzz in the air. It wasn’t unusual for things to be busy around here, the café is on a main street and has received many a dazzling review by a handful of food bloggers. A part of you sometimes wishes that this café stayed as popular as it was when you first started coming here, lowkey and underrated; but another part of you swells with pride knowing that you were here before it was cool, that you were here first. A bit of a silly thought you think. Before you can get too deep into your thoughts; you hear your name being called out. Making your way over to the counter, you grab your order but not before generously tipping your barista.

You were about to make your way over to the door and be on your way when you feel a tap on your shoulder. Turning around you’re met face to face with a girl, she looks slightly nervous.

“Yes?” you ask, hopefully giving her the courage to say what she seemed to want to ask.

“Um…you wouldn’t happen to know a Luke Miller, would you?” She asks, her eyes say she is second guessing every word as it was coming out of her mouth.

You smile, a little confused on her question, but decide to answer truthfully anyways. “Yes, I do? Why?”

Her eyes widen, relaxing a bit when hearing your answer, “That probably sounded so so creepy to hear from a stranger just now oh my god sorry! It’s just I heard your name, and like, you looked like someone my brother was telling me about, actually he’s been talking about non-stop – wait TMI for the moment….uhh,” She rambles, she steadies herself by breathing out “I’m Charlie, Luke’s sister.” Charlie extends her hand out to you.

Now it’s your turn to be surprised, a smile spreading out on your face as you take her hand. “Charlie! I’ve heard so much about you it’s nice to put a face to the name and stories”

“Good things I hope?” she giggles.

“About as good as a sibling can get when talking about their little sister” you chuckle.

“Oh my gosh I totally wasn’t thinking!! You were literally about to walk out when I interrupted you! Did you like, have some place to go? Did I keep you?” Charlie steps back a little, which admittedly is hard to do with the amount of people in the café today.

You’re quickly shaking your head in disagreement “Oh no you’re fine! Actually, today is a bit of a free day for me. I was just going to go and do some window shopping really,”

“If that’s the case, how about you join me and my boyfriend today? We were going to do the same thing! Great minds think alike”

You find it’s hard to not be absorbed into her enthusiasm. You agree to join them. Next thing you know, you’re being led by the hand to a table near the back corner of the café by Charlie. As you awkwardly stand at the table with Charlie beaming down at her partner, you’re struck with a feeling that you’ve seen this guy before but can’t quite place it. That train of thought gets interrupted by Charlie introducing you to him.

“Jono! This is that person Luke keeps talking about, can you believe it?? That we just happened to be here at the same time??” She beams at him as she brings the two of you to sit down. ‘Jono’ is staring at his phone, rapidly typing something.

“I’ve heard of YOU talking about how he goes on about them. I barely listen to a word that comes out of that guy’s mouth” He coldly says. Such a contrast to Charlie’s enthusiasm…

“Don’t mind him, he’s not good with new people. I promise he’s not mad at you, like, at all. He’s also a bit of a hater towards Luke.” She reaffirms, laughing about that last fact.

Jonothan looks up from his phone, putting it down on the table. “You know, if you have any dirt on him. I’m willing to pay”

“Jonothan!” Charlie scolds.

You’re a little taken aback, but realise he is mostly joking so you laugh and tell him you would ‘most definitely’ pass on all the gossip to him. Charlie is a little flustered that this is how your first interaction with her and him is going. The three of you enjoy your respective orders at the table before heading out of the café.

Charlie and you are getting along fantastically, from the way Luke was describing her she truly is a ‘girly girl’. She radiates femininity in concentrations you didn’t know were possible, if this were high school you would have been way too intimidated to even look her way. Glad that those days are in the past; you find her energy and conversation easy to enjoy and reciprocate.

“So, anything in particular you wanted to look at?”

You think a bit before shrugging “I was thinking of landing myself a new accessory today but I’m honestly not sure” speaking honestly

“Hmm, if that’s the case why don’t we check out some stores nearby and once we’re properly in the shopping mood we can find you the perfect accessory?” Charlie suggests thoughtfully. She truly is an experienced shopper if you’ve ever seen one. Jonothan seems to be absorbing in the sights of the manicured shop displays as you all walk through the shopping district.

The further you walk, the fancier the stores get. You feel a little uneasy about the growing price tags with every step you take, but don’t say anything. If it comes down to it you can just say nothing caught your eye. Charlie takes the three of you into various stores along the way, telling the two of you all about how ‘this piece is an offshoot of something that was in Paris fashion week this year’ and that ‘The stitching could have been better’ on this; clearly, she knows her stuff. Before you know it, you’re in the luxury brand side of the shopping district. You feel out of place, but Charlie and Jonothan guide you through these brands like it’s an average Tuesday.

As you walk through one particular store, one of their adverts catch your eye. It was promoting their summer perfume. The face staring back at you was about as familiar as three seconds ago.

“Haha hey Jono look! It’s you, BUT BIGGER. Ah man they totally edited out your freckles this time ‘round” You hear Charlie jab at Jonothan, your pale face must have been absolutely hilarious because you could hear Jonothan let out a quick laugh. Charlie smacks the back of his head.

“Be nice, not everyone rubs shoulders with high fashion models everyday like you do. Oh my gosh don’t be snooty” She reprimands.

It’s not that you’re in shock that your friends’ sister’s boyfriend is a famous model; but the fact that you didn’t recognise THE Jonothan Turner. The exact same model that Vanessa has been religiously following since you guys met in college. You have heard about basically every single online escapade this guy has had, which has stressed out his poor manager and social media team to no end. His latest shoots and promotional videos shoved in your face by her while you’re trying to get reports done at work.

You recompose yourself and shake your head “No it’s not that at all! I just can’t believe I met you and didn’t recognise you! My friend is a big fan, she’s shown me all of your shoots and despite all that I totally didn’t register that THAT was who I was talking to and hanging out with” You’re rambling.

“Ah, so that was it” Jonothan now had a slight smirk on his face “And I take it you’re…not a fan?”

“NO, it’s not that, just that this kind of stuff” you gesture to the various fancy displays and salespeople around the store “never really caught my eye, not my scene…”

Jonothan gently nods, and then goes off to continue wandering the store. I guess that’s that.

“Did your friend really show you every single shoot?” Charlie was back next to you in an instant, leaving Jonothan to do his own thing.

“Every single one since I’ve met her at least, I guess I’m up to date”

“How would she feel about seeing my own personal shoots with him”

“I think she would implode seeing stuff that hasn’t been released to the public,” you pause “But wouldn’t you feel weird showing them to her? I mean she’s a big fan…like ravenous almost”

Charlie giggles “Not really. A fan is a fan, at the end of the day that guy is still my boyfriend despite it all.”  You’re both sifting through some clothes “Besides, he’s a model. It’s his job to be looked at”

You guess you have to agree with that.

“Oooh let’s go in here! They have some amazing accessories!! Maybe we’ll find something for you” She enthuses. You not so much. The three of you were very much in the crazy expensive side of the shopping district now, so expensive that the pieces don’t have any price tags on them. But she wasn’t wrong, the pieces were amazing and so absolutely your style. Within the short amount of time you have been hanging out, Charlie has figured out your tastes with scary accuracy. As Jonothan is on the other side, trying out some new rings with one of the attendants; Charlie and you are taking a look at the necklaces and bracelets. Your eyes land on a stunning piece, something so your style it’s basically torture to look at knowing that it is most certainly out of your price range. You will yourself to look away, you can fantasise about it later while buying cheap jewellery online.

“See anything you like?” She asks, suddenly close to you. You jump a bit, so absorbed in that piece you didn’t notice her right next to you.

“Uhh, no, not really” You lie. “I don’t think today is my lucky day”

“Oh, that’s a shame”

Leaving the store, Charlie and Jonothan are walking out each with matching black paper shopping bags. You on the other hand are empty handed, save for those pair of sunglasses and shirt you bought earlier on in the day when the stores were a lot cheaper. Despite your lack of purchases, you were satisfied with the day, you well and truly did window shop. Charlie and Jonothan being professionals at such a thing. If you were to do it alone, you would have never dared to even step foot in the direction of the stores and boutiques you saw today. It really did refresh you to imagine styling and wearing all the clothes and accessories that piqued your interest. It helped that the energy Charlie and Jonothan brought to the table was easy enough to match. You still couldn’t believe you met THE Jonothan, Vanessa would be bouncing off the walls at this information.

“Thanks for today guys, it was really great meeting you”

“No way!! I should be thanking YOU” Charlie makes a move to give you a goodbye hug, Jonothan gives you an awkward wave “Honestly, sorry for coming up to you in the café like that. Not my smoothest introduction hahaha” She’s looking flustered, how cute.

“Yeah, it was alright meeting you” Jonothan adds.

“Oh!! Wait, like…I totally was going to ask when we were walking around the stores earlier. Can we exchange numbers?” She asks, fishing around her bag for her phone. You agree and add each other as contacts. “One more thing! Haha sorry I keep almost forgetting things. Let’s take a selfie to commemorate our meeting! What crazy chance we had today”

“As long as you promise to send it to me” you smile as you position yourself in the frame of the picture. Charlie quickly snaps various poses and angles. Once you’re done, you say goodbye to them and head in the opposite direction; waving them off for a little bit longer.

Your phone pings

’10 attachments’

‘Hope we get to hang out soon!’

You’re smiling down at your phone, something that seems to be happening more and more often these days.

‘Of course ;3 Thank you for today!!’ you reply back.