And I love the way you know who you are,
And to me it's exciting,
When you know it's meant to be,
Everything comes naturally,
It comes naturally,
When you're with me baby,
Naturally-Selena Gomez
It had been four days since Shane and I had said everything we had been hiding for years, admitting our feelings for one another, and as stupid as it sounds, you could collaborate every single day of my life until then and it still wouldn't be as happy as these last 96 hours have been. I felt completely different. I no longer felt weighed down by my sadness and self pity, I was no longer hiding my true emotions, and I was no longer pining for affection.
I had Shane. I finally had the man of my dreams, and nothing was going to ruin this for us. And I guess that's why everyone is still clueless, because we didn't want to jinx things, not yet. Hell, we weren't even official yet (well we were, we just weren't official to the public), we wanted to take things slow, as Shane so rightly said- we had all the time in the world, what's the rush?
It was nice to have a sense of normality back in both of our lives, sure I hadn't gotten round to packing up my stuff yet and moving back into our apartment, actually until we had informed Nate about us, I think it would look a little suspicious, but things were finally looking up, like they used to be.
But here we were, chilling in Nate's apartment while Jason was passed out fast asleep in the corner of the living room tired after the guys had one of their penultimate tour rehearsals before they were set to leave me in three weeks time
Nate looked at us sceptically, his gaze shifting from myself and Shane as he continued to learn over and whisper things in my ears, causing my face to flush a noticeable shade of pink.
"You know, you look absolutely gorgeous in that dress, but its covering up too much for my liking" I couldn't help but let out a small giggle as I swatted Shane's leg playfully, causing him to pout adorably at me.
"I can't help but think I'm missing out on something here" Nate asked slowly, scooting closer to the edge of the sofa, his eyes narrowing.
I bit my lip, suppressing the giggle that wanted to escape as I looked at Shane as if to say 'should we tell him' to which he nodded sending me a wink that almost put me into cardiac arrest. Shane reached for my hand, intertwining our fingers before pressing a light kiss to my lips causing Nate's eyes to go wide.
"Okay, okay, what the fuck!" Nate exclaimed excitedly "Are you two...oh my god have you two finally come to your senses?"
Neither of us could help but laugh as we both nodded, snuggling myself further into Shane "I guess you could say that" Shane said
"About fucking time!" Nate screeched, throwing his hands in the air before jumping off of the sofa and throwing himself towards us, pulling the two of us apart as he wriggled his way between us "Now that you have finally realised the more than obvious, I have a few ground rules for you..."
"Oh god here we go" Shane groaned as he rolled his eyes, causing Nate to glare
He cleared throat, putting his arms behind us "Firstly, I don't mind public displays of affection, in fact I'm all for them, but just don't get so lovey dovey that I want to empty the contents of my stomach, okay?" he paused, looking at both of us as we nodded in acknowledgement
"Good, okay secondly, I'm not stupid, I know that these have different meanings to us" pointing to the silver band resting on Shane's finger "and it's obvious that you are not going to let down the stereotype of horny teenagers, so I ask you this...please, if you can, refrain from doing it in my apartment, that would be much appreciated"
My eyes widened as I saw Shane's jaw drop slightly in my peripheral vision, obviously as taken back my Nate's statement as I was. I mean don't get me wrong, it's not like I haven't thought about it but I knew that we both wanted it to be special, not just something to do straight away just to get it over and done with. Both of us agreed from when we accepted to wear purity rings a few years back that it wasn't like Jason and his vow to not have sex before he was married, but merely until we had found someone which we could see ourselves with in the future, someone we were madly in love with, to do it when the time was right. It didn't matter if it was tomorrow or in two years time. I felt the hear rise to my cheeks as I let my imagination kick in, all sorts of images or scenarios entering my mind...
Stop Mitchie, stop. This is not the time nor the place to allow yourself to get flustered.
"Err o-okay" I stuttered, feeling extremely awkward
"Amazing!" Nate exclaimed, patting both of us on the knees "There's just one more..." I looked towards Shane uneasily, not sure if we wanted to hear what he had to say next or not. Nate raised his eyebrows, noticing our exchange "No, no its nothing bad" he assured "Just...don't take this the wrong way Mitchie, I love you to pieces, and let's face it if Shane and you weren't together and madly in love I would have tried it on myself, and I have enjoyed the past few weeks but I want my apartment back. I want to be able to walk around the place in my underwear and not feel self conscious"
I scrunched up my face "Nate, you still do that!"
He let out a chuckle "Oh yeah, that's right, I do... I'm just saying, I'll miss you, but I don't want to share my bathroom cabinet with tampons anymore" and there was me thinking that I couldn't be any more embarrassed, nice one Nate, nice one.
I gave him a small smile and nodded, I mean I understood, it was only a matter of time till he would have kicked me out, and I do miss my bed...a lot.
"I second that request" Shane exclaimed excitedly, as expected. After all he had been trying to get me to come home for god knows how long now.
"When do you want me out?" I asked Nate, hoisting myself off of the sofa and into the kitchen, raising my voice so they could hear
"Well that depends if you are about to make me a sandwich" Nate said as he entered the kitchen and sat down, Shane not far behind
I sighed "For the millionth time Nate, I'm not going to make you a sandwich"
"But whyyyyyyyyyy" he whined, sticking out his bottom lip, pouting.
"Because you my dear are a sexist pig. Do I have to remind you how many times you say that women belong in the kitchen and that they need to speak less and make more sandwiches?"
Nate shrugged, not fazed by what I was saying as he sat back into the chair "It's true" he added, as I noticed Shane moving in my peripheral vision, my head slowly turning towards him to find himself abruptly stop nodding. I raised my eyebrows, folding my arms across my chest, unimpressed
"Oh, so you agree Shane?"
He shook his head "NO, no, of course not babe." He tried to recover himself as he bit his lip, which I can't help but say...looks incredibly sexy.
I brushed the comment off, opening the fridge as I pulled out a bottle of diet coke "I'll be out by the end of the week, is that okay? That way I can be settled again in time for Christmas" Christmas was a week and a half away and I was already way too excited for what the festive season had in store. Like many women in the world, I had completed my Christmas shopping many weeks ago and everything was paid for and wrapped awaiting their rightful owners in the back of my closet. However the guys... well let's just say they haven't even thought about what Christmas presents to buy people, in fact it surprised me no end when I found out the following day that all three Gray brothers had left me on my own for the day to amuse myself to go shopping.
It wasn't even Christmas Eve yet. Maybe they are finally learning the art of putting thought into a present. Then again, let's not carried away with ourselves shall we.
The next week or so flew by as it finally began to feel a lot like Christmas. After moving all of my stuff back into mine and Shane's place and cleaning up, because, let's face it, it no longer looked like a home, but more of a slum and spending all of my hard earned cash on extra presents for Shane after seeing the hoards of bags he had brought back to our house, I had subjected myself to several Christmas movie marathons with the Gray boys counting down the final hours to the big day.
"I'm not going to lie, Elf is the shittest film on the face of the planet. In fact, I feel ashamed for watching it right now" Nate said in disgust as he stuffed his mouth with yet another handful of butter popcorn as the four of us sat on the sofa.
"What!" Shane and Jason both screamed in unison, causing me to jump slightly, not really paying attention to what was going on, after all this had been the 5th Christmas film off the day. There is only so much good will Mitchie can endure before she wants to throw herself off of a multi story car park.
"I'm just saying, the acting is poor, the plot is all over the place. And the girl isn't even that pretty. I could make a better movie, hey in fact I may write a letter of complaint"
"To who?" I asked Nate "Because no offence Mr. 'I'm more arrogant today then I usually am' but the films been out years and it has made millions of dollars"
Nate rolled his eyes and stuck up his middle finger to me "Minor details princess, I'm just saying, there are better films out there. No need to get all defensive because you like will Ferrell."
Kid had a point.
"Well then Nathaniel, light of my life, and secret lover" I glanced towards Shane who looked totally unphased "What do you suggest we watch?"
He shrugged "I don't mind, you pick"
I jumped off of the sofa and placed a new DVD into the player "Okay, the Grinch it is" I said cheerfully, god this film was good.
I heard a groan behind me. I gritted my teeth "What's wrong now Nate?"
"This film is dire"
How long do you think I'd get for killing a teenage pop sensation?
The soft chimes of the antique clock on the mantel piece rang throughout the room indicating that it had struck midnight and that it was officially Christmas. I pulled out of Shane's grip slightly, his half conscious body stirring as a groan left his lips. I smiled, taking in his appearance, his dishevelled hair falling over his eyes, his bottom lip sticking out slightly as he attempted to fall back asleep. I pushed his hair out of his eyes, letting my hand sweep across his cheek before cupping it slightly, leaning over as I placed a soft kiss on his lips. I was about to pull away when I felt Shane's lips respond, lazily kissing me back, his tongue trying to gain entrance.
It's amazing what can wake someone up, aye?
I smiled against his lips before pulling away completely "Merry Christmas" I whispered into his ear as I let my head fall into the crook of his neck.
He shifted under me, hoisting himself up into a sitting position as he glanced at the clock, a wide grin spreading to his face "merry Christmas baby! Can we open presents please?" he asked excitedly the inner child showing itself
I rolled my eyes "can't you wait till the morning when everyone comes over?"
"Please Mitchie, please! Can we at least open our ones?" my defences fell, how on earth could you say no to a doe eyed Shane, pouting and bouncing up and down on the sofa like a child? You couldn't.
"Fine" I sighed, giving in,secretly wanting to open my presents. What? I was a little kid at heart- sue me.
Shane jumped off the sofa "Yay! I'll be right back I've got to go grab them" Shane hurried out the room and up the stairs as I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion my eyes already landing on the pile of presents from him in the corner. He hadn't got me more had he? That son of a bitch, well two can play that game. I rolled off of the sofa and onto my hands and knees, pulling out various wrapped up packages from under the sofa and laying the out on the floor ready for him.
I sat cross legged on the carpeted floor in front of the fire and the Christmas tree, the smell of pine feeling my senses as a smile spread across my lips, there was no way thing could possibly get any better than they were now.
Shane came trudging into the room, arms full to the brim with presents as my eyes went wide "Shane..." I said slowly as he placed them on the floor and sat opposite me, grinning.
"Yes love?"
"Please, please tell me they aren't all for me"
"Ermm....sorry?" he sheepishly smiled as I sighed once more. I had strictly told him not to go overboard, and what did he do? Ignore me. "Open this one first" he thrusted a small parcel towards me, wrapped in gold wrapping paper. I couldn't help but let out a small giggle as I admired his attempts of wrapping, being a typical boy and using way too much paper than necessary. I picked up the object, placing on my lap as I undid the corners, wanting to make the gift exchange between us last more than just a few minutes. It was our first Christmas as a couple, our first Christmas where we didn't depart one another's company for the day to spend it with our parents. Right here, right now it was just me and him.
A small gasp escaped my lips as I pulled out the latest iphone, hell it hadn't even been released to the general public, how on earth had he gotten his hands on it
"I know you already have a phone, but this one has video calls and you are on a contract so you can make as many international calls and messages as you want, all on me. That way we can stay in contact all the time whilst I'm on tour" I couldn't help but aww at his statement, it was obvious that all of the presents he was going to give to me had been thought out. Have I ever mentioned how much I love him?
I slipped the phone out of the box, admiring it as I turned it over noticing it had been engraved on the back 'to the girl of my dreams, I love you' I place the phone down carefully and crawled over to Shane kissing him quickly on the lips before sitting back down "Thank you baby"
"Oh I haven't even got started"
I unwrapped present after present, each one progressively getting more and more amazing. He had gotten me five first class tickets to various countries where he was touring so that we could at least see each other once in a while as well as the most beautiful tiffany bracelet and some other little things.
He saved the last two presents for me until I after I had given him my presents, making me more and more curious as to what they were.
"I'm sorry that they aren't as amazing as the ones you've gotten me, but remember, I'm a student. Not all of us can be famous and ridiculously good looking" I handed him a small pile of gifts, feeling bad that they couldn't even compare to what he had gotten me, but after all, it's the thought that counts right?
"Mitchie, this is amazing, thank you!" he exclaimed excitedly as he pulled out two front row tickets to the sold out one off Snow Patrol concert. I wasn't going to tell him how I had got my hands on them, or how many hours of overtime I had to endure to afford it, because his expression made it all worth it, the pure elation making me smile as well. "Nate is going to be so jealous" he added smugly
"Take him with you, you two can bond over some music" I suggested, nudging the next present towards him.
"What? No, you are coming with me, I know how much you love them, and I don't think I want to know how much these cost you, I told you not to spend a lot on me!"
I rolled my eyes "Yeah I know Shane, just like how I said the same thing to you"
Shane continued to unwrap his presents, in side, nothing amazing, some new clothes, CD's and DVDs that he wanted but was too lazy to buy himself, leaving him with one final present. The present that I had put the most time, blood, sweat and tears in to. I watched him with hopeful eyes as he unwrapped the gift, his expression softening as he caught sight of it.
"It's really cheesy I know, but we've shared so many memories together, that I made a scrap book for them" I watched as he flicked through page after page, laughing every now and then at certain photos. He stopped as he got to the numerous blank pages at the back "And they are for our future. For the memories were going to be making"
"I absolutely love it Mitchie " He looked up at me, his eyes glazed over slightly "You have no idea how happy I am" he said "Seriously, you're amazing"
I couldn't help but hide the growing blush as I tried to process his words, it didn't matter how many times he had said them, it still felt like the air was being sucked out of me every time.
"Now you have some more presents" he handed me the final two presents, my hands instinctively grabbing the bigger present of the two first.
My eyes went wide as I pulled the items from under the paper, the feeling on silk between my fingers. I looked at the lingerie intrigued, mentally impressed at the set he had chosen. Butterflies erupted in my stomach at the possible message behind them. I quickly glanced at the tag "Shane, how do you know my size" Now no offence to Shane but he wasn't smart enough to have guessed it.
His cheeks went red as he bit his lip adorably "Erm well..." he trailed off, unable to formulate a proper answer
"You went through my underwear didn't you?" I asked, already knowing the answer. He nodded as I rolled my eyes, looking at the garments one more, extremely tempted to try them on.
Shane interrupted me out of my thoughts as he scooted next to me, handing me one last present, this one different from the rest, it was professionally wrapped up in teal paper gold ribbon holding it securely in place. I eyed to rectangular object with curiosity wondering what else he could have possibly gotten me, the paper only telling me that it was expensive. My fingers unwrapped it slowly, almost not wanting to at the sheer beauty of the paper as I pulled out a purple velvet box. I felt my heart begin to race as I opened the box, a gasp left my lips as a hand flew to my mouth. I was rendered absolutely speechless at the gift in front of me.
"Shane, I'm going to kill you" I managed to get out, as I felt that I was going to choke on my own words
"Why don't you like it?" he asked worriedly "Because I have the receipt if you don't, we can change it"
"No, its...gorgeous Shane, breath taking even, but this obviously cost way too much, I can't accept it" my eyes were focused on the necklace in the box, the beautiful white gold and diamond droplet pendant resting on a matching chain.
"Nonsense, I would have brought you the entire jewellers if I could. I would buy you the world"
I rolled my eyes "Seriously Shane, you have swallowed the cheesy love line book tonight haven't you?" I joked as I felt him move towards me, taking the necklace out of the box and placing it around my neck. He pulled my hair away slowly, placing a soft kiss on the newly exposed skin at the base of my neck before fastening the chain, letting it fall against my chest.
"Its perfect" I whispered, turning myself round to him, wrapping my arms around his muscular frame.
"Just like you then" he whispered, tightening his grip as we sat on the carpeted floor .
I slowly pulled myself from Shane's grip, letting out a content sigh as I tried to comprehend just how amazing my life was at this moment in time. I was happy, I had my health, the most amazing family and friends. And a boyfriend who was out of this world. My fingers played with the necklace, the diamond sparkling in all directions. I looked towards Shane who was humming a soft tune.
"Hey lover boy" I said just above a whisper as I played with the hem of his checker shirt.
"Hmm" he replied, looking down at me, his expression soft
"How would you like a little fashion show, you know, so you can see how all the things you got, look on me?" I bit my lip as his eyes widened
"All the things?" he asked slowly
I nodded, hoisting myself up onto my feet "Although...you got to catch me first" I started running out of the living room and made my way to the stairs Shane, not far behind me
"Hey!" he shrieked "no fair, you got a head start!"
My legs took me up the stairs as fast as they could as I ran into the bathroom, connecting to Shane's bedroom, clothes in hand, shutting the door in his face.
"Mitchie!" he whined as he banged on the door once " no fair" I couldn't help but giggle slightly as I imagined what his face looked like on the other side of the door.
I quickly changed my clothes, putting on the new set of lingerie Shane had gotten me, putting on the jumper and skirt on over it before I unlocked the door, noticing Shane was sitting on the edge of his bed.
I took several steps forward as I bit my lip as I played with the hem of the jumper Shane had bought me, the soft fabric between my fingers, as a wave of confidence hit me. Why was I nervous around Shane anyway, I loved him, and I'm pretty sure he loved me, so what was there to get anxious about?
"What do you think of the jumper and skirt?"
"You look beautiful babe" he smiled sincerely as I nodded. "As always"
I slowly pulled the jumper up, watching Shane's wide eyed expression, extending my arms above my head, removing the garment completely from my body and letting it fall to the ground. I looked towards Shane who was visibly fidgeting on the edge of the bed, his hands loosely gripping the bed sheets. I took a couple of steps forward, making the space between Shane and myself less and less.
My eyes were fixated on Shane's as my hands found their way to my waistband, fiddling with the button and zip as I slowly undid them, teasing him as I pulled the skirt down my legs, and kicking it to the side, now revealing to him the set of lingerie. The red silk, complimenting my olive complexion and dark hair. I'm not going to lie, but I couldn't have felt sexier. I closed the gap between myself and Shane even more, hearing him gulp nervously as I stopped a matter of inches away from him
"So, what do you think?" I asked sweetly, watching as his eyes worked their way up my body, lingering a little before finally attempting eye contact with me. I heard him gulp as his bit his lip, all he good do was nod, before stuttering a load of words out.
"Err, g-good. Amazing even....wow"
I smiled at his words, even if they weren't very coherent as I stood between his legs, bending down to place a quick peck on his lips, noticing his eyes were focused elsewhere. I couldn't help but laugh quickly before regaining my composure, I placed a trail of kisses across his cheek to his ear.
"Like what you see?"I asked huskily, causing Shane to grab my hips and pull me towards him, causing me to fall onto his lap.
"You know, I've always thought you were the most beautiful girl I had ever laid my eyes on, but right now...right now, I'm sure that you are the most beautiful girl in the universe, and you're mine." I felt my heart surge as I literally pushed Shane back onto the bed as I crawled on top of him, my palms flat against his chest.
"Do I make you nervous Shane?" I asked him as I felt his heart pounding in his chest at a million beats per minute, his breathing shallow. He didn't answer. I leant down more, our chests pressing together, our faces only inches apart "I said, do I make you nervous Shane?"
He nodded, unable to formulate an answer as I crashed my lips down upon his in a hungry manner, a full blown make out session taking place.
Shane flipped me over as my back came into contact with the bed, the sheets feeling cool against my back as he pulled away. Shane hovered over me, propping himself up on his elbows, his eyes searching my face "What are you thinking about?" I asked gently
His cheeks went slightly pink "About how bad I want you right now" he replied quietly, almost ashamed at what he had admitted "How much I want to show you how much I love you"
Hearing those words nearly sent me into cardiac arrest as the feeling of butterflies erupted in my stomach, spreading up every limb.
"Then why don't you" the words left my lips before I could even think. Yet even when my brain caught up with my actions, I didn't try to retract my words, instead I grabbed his shirt, trying to pull him closer
"What?" Shane questioned just above a whisper, not believing what I had just said
"I want you too Shane, show me."
His eyes widened before hungrily taking my bottom lip between his, breaking the kiss almost instantly
"Are you sure want to do this Mitch?" he asked softly, his warm breath ticking my cheeks, whilst his fingers danced over the exposed skin, causing my skin to break out in goose bumps. My heart was pounding in my chest, the combination of the sheer proximity between us, my love for Shane and everything that had happened this evening making me sure that this was what I wanted.
I nodded "I love you Shane" I said with all the sincerity I could muster. A small smile spread across his lips as his hand lay flat on my stomach, as he closed the gap between us
"You have no idea how much I love you."
I sighed contently as I snuggled closer to Shane, his arm pulling me closer as the sun poked through the curtains, still half asleep. I groaned as consciousness pulled me away from my peaceful slumber, my eyes opening slowly as I noticed that I wasn't in my room. I hoisted myself up, my limps, my body aching, feeling heavy as the events of last night came flooding back to me. I couldn't help but smile, as I looked to my right, seeing Shane sleeping peacefully, his short hair sticking up on end, the light stubble defining his jaw to utter perfection, his chest moving up and down evenly.
My hand found its way to his face, as I brushed my fingers across his cheek softly, causing him to stir from his sleep and letting out a rather unattractive snort. What a nerd.
"Morning gorgeous" he mumbled, his hands rubbing at his eyes as he turned on his side to face me, the sheet failing to cover his perfected muscular chest. No Mitchie, refrain from staring.
I said stop. God sake woman, stop staring at his god damn chest.
"Morning" I replied simply, resting my head against the pillow
"Are you...okay?" his voice was soft yet wary as ran his hand up and down my arm
"Mhmm" I replied contently, nodding. I was more than alright, in fact I had just woken up from the best night of my life. It didn't matter that we had broken our vow, because I guess, in a sense, we hadn't. We both agreed to ourselves that the meaning of our love was to practice abstinence until we found someone who we could see ourselves spending the rest of our lives with. And I don't know about Shane, even though I'd like to say I do, but he is it for me. And it wasn't just a meaningless night, there were no regrets, if anything it only made me fall a little bit more in love with the loser.
"You know, I have one more present for you" he said as he slipped the silver band off of his finger and handed it to me "for you" he placed it in my palm an curled my fingers over it.
I shook my head "Shane, I can't take this" i sighed.
"Why not?" his expression fell, he looked hurt. "You regret it don't you. I said if you weren't ready we didn't have too..."
"Baby, its not that. Its just people are going to notice, your parents, your brothers, the world. If the media see this, they are going to have a field day, I just don't want you to get grief over it. It doesn't mean I regret it, in the slightest. Because I don't"
"I don't care. They can say all the things they want. They can publish it on every gossip site, I will receive lecture after lecture from my family, it doesn't matter to me, because I'll say the same thing back every time. I'm in love with you, and that I plan to spend the rest of my days showing you and letting you know that"
We may sound like a couple from a cheesy romance film. And we may be textbook cliché, but I couldn't give a damn. My heart soared at his words, I was one lucky girl.
I just hope that this isn't all one big dream.
Shane slipped the ring on my finger, the silver band too big to fit "Now come on lover boy, we better get up, your family will be here any time soon"
Let the Christmas festivities begin.
Okay so review if you want an M rated one shot for this chapter, i didn't want to change the rating! kinda need at least 15 reviews saying yes for me to write it.
Oh my god guys 202 reviews! In seven chapters?! That is absolutely crazy and there are no words to describe how happy you have made me with that! So as promised here is part 1 of the drama filled chapters that are now taking place, nothing ever stays sweet for long.
201 reviews now- 230 for update? Get me to 240 and I promise you at least a 8000 word chapter!
Love.
