be happy (A Lachlan Power Fanfiction) Chapter Ten: Christmas Socks, a fortnite fanfic

Lachlan

It's been six days since the late night FaceTime incident with Kali. She could tell I had been drinking and assumed that was why I was being so flirtatious, but I knew it wasn't. Yes, it made me a little bolder, but everything I said was what I wanted to. These past few days, my thoughts and feelings towards Kali had taken a very sexual turn, but I still cared for her on an emotional level too.

Things seemed different now. I couldn't quite figure out why, but it just was. Kali would be super flirty one moment and a few minutes later, she would get really distant. I had feared that I would put an awkward strain on our relationship, and I was proving right. I think our interaction yesterday perfectly summed up what it's been like this week. I closed my eyes as I sat at the red light on my way to her apartment, replaying the scene in my mind.

Kali had just arrived and was wearing a Santa hat with a matching onesie and had a bag in her hand, extending it towards me. She had a mischievous smile as I grabbed the bag from her. "Two things," I said, looking between her and the bag. "First, you look absolutely adorable. Is this like one of those sexy roleplays like when people dress up as cops? Is this a 'special' Christmas gift? Have I been naughty or nice?" I asked with a flirty tone.

She shoved me playfully and laughed, strolling over to the couch before taking a seat. "Fuck off and open the damn bag."

"That was actually the second thing. What's this for?" She just looked at me and motioned for me to open it. I sighed and opened the bag, exposing a mass of green material. "What the hell is this?"

She wrung her hands maniacally. "I told you there were conditions to me being in this holiday video with you. The condition for this one is that I get to choose the outfits." Her perfectly painted red lips turned into an evil smirk as I dug my hand in the bag and pulled out the contents.

"Fuck that, man. I'm not wearing this." The contents unravelled, exposing a green elf outfit, hat and ears included. "Kali, you know I would do anything for you, but this" I said lifting it against my body, "is more than I signed up for."

She shrugged and got up from the couch. "Ok, you have a right to choose what you wanna wear. I guess I'll just head home then." She started towards the door, giving me sad, puppy dog eyes.

I sighed and grabbed her by the waist as she passed me and pulled her close to me so we were chest to chest. She looked up into my eyes, our lips just inches apart. "Do you really want me to wear this?" She nodded, never breaking our eye contact. "Would it make you happy?" She nodded again, this time a little slower as her eyes slowly looked down at my lips and back to mine. "I'll do it then," I said, releasing her from my grip. I turned away from her and heard her let out a breath she had been holding in. I smiled to myself, satisfied with the reaction she had just given.

I walked into my room and stripped out of the joggers and t-shirt I had been wearing, leaving me in my boxers and socks. I laid out the onesie in front of me, surprised with myself that I had agreed to do this. I slipped it on and honestly, I knew I looked ridiculous, but God I was comfortable.

I emerged from the room to see Kali looking at her phone. "Hey so I was looking at the lyrics and I was wondering - holy shit." She finally looked up and began laughing instantly. "You look so fucking adorable. I need a picture of this!" She pointed the camera towards me and I jumped on her, stopping her from being able to get anything.

I had her pinned against the couch and again, our faces were just inches from each other. I pulled away and grabbed her phone, shoving it in my pocket. "Can I at least put my hat and ears on before you try to take a picture?"

She smiled and walked towards me. "Of course. You wouldn't be Lachlan the Loyal, Little Elf unless you did." She grabbed the hat from my hands and placed it securely on my head, causing me to blush for some reason. She bit her lip and backed up a little, taking in our appearances. "After this video, we are going to have the illest photoshoot, just a forewarning."

I threw my head in my hands. "Why did I invite you here," I said dramatically, looking up to see her smiling at me. I smiled back and grabbed her hand, intertwining our fingers. "Ok, let's get to recording so that we have more time to enjoy the unbelievably freeing feeling of these onesies."

She laughed and pulled me towards my office, taking her spot at the piano as I did my intro. I had thought since we were fully in the holiday season, Kali and I could do a cover of Baby It's Cold Outside since it was highly requested and appropriate for the time of year. We had received really positive feedback regarding the video and even though I hadn't intended to sing in the first video, I had a lot of requests to sing more in future songs so this would be the perfect opportunity to.

It took us a few takes to get through the whole song. My voice had kept cracking in the first take; the second take, Kali had leaned in too close at my elf ears and poked herself, causing her to laugh uncontrollably; and third time, I accidently started singing the girl's part during the second verse. We finally got through it correctly the fourth time and I closed out the video.

Kali got up quickly and started blasting Christmas music. "It's picture time!" We had taken tons of pictures of each other as well as picture together, like one of me carrying her bridal style as she held onto my neck in one and had her hands thrown up in the other. We did another where I had her piggy back style, and an even funnier one of her trying to do it to me. I think my favorite, however, was her standing on a chair so that she could be taller than me and she leaned against me with her leg crossed over the other. "These are fucking epic!"

I smiled, scrolling through all the pictures that were taken. "They are. Look at all the Christmas card options." We laughed looking at everything. The best ones were possibly the candids. There was this absolutely beautiful one of Kali slightly bent over, laughing while the light from the window caught her eyes. I don't know why she was laughing, but I wish I could remember to see her laugh like that again. "Do you mind if I edit for a bit and then we can just Netflix for a bit?"

She cocked her eyebrow at me. "Lachlan Power, are you trying to Netflix and Chill?"

I rolled my eyes at her. "Oh fuck off. I'm better than Netflix and Chill. I like to believe I'm more of a gentleman than that. Give me some credit." She smiled and laid her head on my shoulder as I played and edited the video. She was being too quiet and I could tell she was thinking about something. "Are you ok?" I asked.

"Yea. it's just everytime I hear this song, I think of when they sang this song in the Glee Project and how it was ended with an unexpected kiss," she said in a near whisper. She was looking down at her lap and I could see a blush appear on her face.

I smiled at her, amused at the thought. "So you were expecting an unexpected kiss?"

She shook her head, her face turning redder. "Oh, God no. I was just thinking."

"You confuse the shit out of me, you know?" I said, still smiling, but I saw her become serious.

"What do you mean?"

"I can't read you sometimes. Like I feel like you don't know what you want me to do. I feel like you're waiting for me to do something but if I ever talk about it, you push it away or dismiss it."

"I'm not trying to confuse you," she said as she got up, walking towards the door.

"Wait, where are you going?" I looked at her with confusion.

"I just need something to drink. I'm feeling a little drained."

And it stayed awkward after. She distance herself during the movie and left immediately after. The weirdest part, though, was when she texted me letting me know she had arrived home, she acted as if everything was normal and like things hadn't gotten weird before she left. I sighed as I parked my car in front of her building, picking up her gift from the passenger seat and heading upstairs to her door.

I knocked and she appeared a few seconds later since she was expecting me. She gave me a beautiful smile and motioned for me to come in. "Early as usual. I'm almost ready, I just need to get the finishing touch to my outfit. Wait, what's that?" she asked, motioning to the gift in my hands.

"I got you something." I said with a smile, extending it towards her.

She frowned. "We never talked about exchanging gifts," she said in a near whisper, averting my eye contact. She let out a loud sigh. "I guess it's a good thing I got you something, too." She looked at me slyly, a smile slowly crossing her face.

"You didn't need to get me anything, you know."

"Oh, I know. I wanted to though. We can open them together after the party. I would say wait until Christmas but I really wanna see your face and I don't know if either of us will have time to FaceTime during Christmas."

I nodded at her and she got up, starting towards her room. "You look beautiful by the way," I called after her. She had on a red, long sleeve t shirt dress with knee high, reindeer socks and her hair was down and curly, the dark gray contrasting perfectly with the bright red of her dress.

She called back at me from her room. "You haven't even seen the best part!" She emerged a minute later and I laughed uncontrollably. She smiled, knowing I was laughing because of the reindeer antlers and red nose. "Just call me Rudolph, Dollface." She extended her hand, helping me up.

"Please call me Lachlan, Rudolph." She rolled her eyes as I got up and pulled out my phone to take a picture of her. She instantly posed, putting her hands in front of her and popping her right leg. I smiled as I snapped the picture and pulled her into my side so that I could take a selfie of us two together. She stuck out her tongue as I turned and gave her a kiss on the cheek. She blushed a little and I took another picture of us, her giving me a look as I just smiled obliviously. I felt these two photos captured our weird and confusing relationship perfectly.

We got to the gathering around 9 PM and I could hear loud music on the other side of the door. I let out a sigh and Kali looked at me. She grabbed my hand and gave a reassuring smile. "We'll only stay for an hour or two, ok?"

I nodded, my stomach turning at the thought of having to meet a bunch of Kali's friends. She told me a little bit about some of the people that would be here so I wasn't going in completely blind and had told me the cover story she would give people about how we met, which made me feel a lot better because I'm a terrible liar when I'm under pressure. "Ok, I'm ready," I said, releasing Kali's hand as she knocked on the door.

A few moments later, a tall, darker skinned guy with a Santa hat and an extremely over decorated sweater opened the door. "KD has finally arrived!" He engulfed her in a big hug and smiled as he picked her up from the ground. I couldn't help but feel a little jealous, but I knew I shouldn't. They were just friends, right?

"I've missed you, Ash! We need to catch up!" she exclaimed, beaming up at him. She looked to the side and signaled towards me. "This is my friend, Lachlan. Lachlan, this is Ash."

I extended my hand towards him and he gave me a wide smile. "Sorry, man. I'm a hugger." He pulled me into a tight hug and I awkwardly hugged back. I looked at Kali to save me and she just stood there, shaking her head and laughing quietly. He released me from his death grip and looked at me. "We treat our friends like family. You'll get used to it. Come inside. There's drinks in the kitchen and snacks on the table. The food should be out in a minute, we're just waiting for the last person to get here and they should be here in a bit."

"Thanks. I really appreciate it, man," I said with a warm grin. I motioned for Kali to walk in before me and followed her in, placing my hand on the small of her back. We walked in and saw some people dancing in the living room while other people sat on the couch, just talking and catching up. I recognized two of the guests from pictures in Kali's apartment, each adorned with their own reindeer antlers and noses. "Are those your roommates?"

She nodded eagerly. "Do you want me to introduce you to them?" I nodded, knowing it was going to happen sooner or later. She guided me towards their spot on the couch and they both turned towards us, smiles on their faces.

"So this is Kali's new boo," the smaller girl said.

Kali rolled her eyes. "Lachlan, this is Analys and Carina. Guys, this is Lachlan. Be nice."

I gave them a smile and sat down next to the taller of the two girls, Carina. "It's nice to finally meet you. Kal's told me so much about you guys." I casually placed my hand on Kali's leg when I felt her sit next to me.

"Oh Kal has? Interesting, she wouldn't tell us anything about you," Carina said playfully, eying Kali.

"This is very true. Come on, Lachlan. Let's go get some drinks and we can talk and get to know each other," Analys said and pulled me up by my arm before giving me a chance to answer. I turned back to look at Kali shaking her head at me, mouthing 'sorry'.

Analys placed four plastic cups in front of us on the kitchen counter. "What do you like to drink?"

"Umm, I actually try not to drink too much. I'm good with just some Sprite."

She rolled her eyes. "God you sound like Kali. Come on, just one drink to help you loosen up a little." She gave me a sly smile and I felt like I was left with no choice.

I really did try not to drink. Aside from my birthday and this past weekend, I had been sober for quite some time, but one drink here and there wouldn't be such a problem, would it? "I'll take whatever you're having, I guess."

She smiled. "Fantastic choice." She poured some honey whiskey and coke in the cups. "So, tell me about yourself. What brings you here?"

I felt my face start to get hot. I didn't want to tell her the whole truth, so I figured I could tell her the reason I want to stay now. "Well, I came here to start over in a way. Um, I'm a video editor right now but I really want to become a teacher. My connections to videos mainly live in the US so I decided to move and pursue school while I'm here. I actually met Kali walking around the university and she stopped to help me find my way around." I hoped I sounded believable enough.

She nodded, taking a sip from her drink to see how it tasted. "And what are you interested in studying?"

"I actually hope to go into education."

"Like how Kali want to go into education or like with kids?"

"No, definitely with kids. I feel like I could make a bigger impact if I get to them at a younger age, you know?"

She gave me a smile. "I agree. I'm actually a social worker with the elementary schools in the area."

"Really? That's amazing! How do you like it?"

"It's honestly some of the most rewarding experiences of my life. If you need an internship or volunteer opportunities when you start your classes, let me know. I could see what I can do."

My eyes widen in disbelief. "Really? Wow, that's really kind of you."

"Of course. Kali keeps good company and I trust her judgment. She doesn't surround herself with negativity so I don't see why you shouldn't be given a chance." I smiled. I had imagined this interaction to be a lot more awkward and I was pleasantly surprised. "With that being said, what are your intentions with her?" Her smile dropped and so did mine.

I looked at Kali, watching her laugh as she talked to Carina, Ash, and one of her other friends. She looked so happy and in her element. I loved the way her eyes twinkle when she smiled and the little dimples in her cheeks came out. She looked angelic."I really like her," I said, looking back at Analys.

"I can tell by the way you look at her."

"Yea, she knows how I feel for the most part, but I don't think she reciprocates it fully."

Analys sucked her teeth. "She does, she's just scared." I looked at her with confusion. I know she doesn't know that I am part of the support group, but she knows Kali is. I was worried what she may say to me. "She went through a really bad break up and I don't think she trusts herself to be close to a guy so the fact that she's bringing you around says a lot." I looked back at Kali, biting my lip at what her roommate was telling me. Kali had mentioned most of this before, but it was weird getting reaffirmation from someone else.

"I know she's scared of being hurt and hurting me, and I know it's messing with her. I just want her to know I'm willing to make it work in a way she's comfortable with."

"Good. I approve of you for now, but just know even the most minor fuck up will put you on my shit list. Now come, let's go bring them their drinks" I smiled and nodded. I grabbed two cups while she picked up the other two and we went and joined the group. I handed Kali her drink and she gave me a warm smile, scooting over on the couch to make room for me.

"Thanks!" I nodded in response as I took my seat. I placed my hand back on her knee and she placed her hand on top, sending a chill up my spine. Her minor display of affection meaning so much more now. "By the way, Lachlan, this is Brandon and Veronica. Brandon and Veronica, this is Lachlan."

I raised my cup to them. "It's nice to meet you guys."

"Same!" Veronica said. "I thought we were going to be the only couple here like usual."

"Oh, no. We're just friends," Kali said, shaking her head.

I looked at her, a weak smile on my face. "Yea. I've only known her for a few weeks, but this girl is awesome. Though, if I'm honest, I would love to hear some Kali stories."

Brandon laughed. "Oh, we have some Kali stories. Most of them are because of this girl right here," he said motioning to Analys.

"Man, fuck you. I just like to ensure that we're always having a good time, ok?" Analys defended.

We all started laughing until we heard the door open. The way I was positioned, I couldn't see who walked through, but from Kali's face, it didn't look good. Carina and Analys's faces fell while everyone else seemed so be celebrating.

Brandon stood up and walked towards the door and my eyes followed. "My man, I haven't seen you in so long. How have you been?"

"Great. First semester was torture but I made it, Bran. How have you been?" said this new guy. I felt Kali stiffen beside me. I tried to give her hand a squeeze, but she didn't react. I looked over at her roommates who both had mild faces of concern. I guess this wasn't good after all. I put my arm protectively around Kali, trying to let her know I was there for her even if I didn't know what was happening.

"Things have been insane. Come here, say what's up to everyone and I'll fill you in." Brandon lead the guy back to our little section and sat down next to Veronica.

The new guy stood there for a second, taken aback before settling next to Brandon on the couch. "Hey Cari, Ana," he said waving to Kali's roommates. "Kali," he said slowly. "It's been a while."

"Hi Reese,"' I heard Kali whisper next to me. Reese? Oh shit, Reese.

Kali

Lachlan is catching on I'm sure. I know I've been acting super weird around him, but I just can't help it. I can't keep control of my emotions and it's becoming more and more confusing to deal with the more we spend time together. Why did I even mention that kiss yesterday if I didn't want him to do it? Why do I keep playing with his emotions when I don't even know how I feel about him?

I let out a sigh as I threw myself down on the couch. "You good, Kal?" Carina asked emerging from her room.

"Yea, I'm just slowly driving myself insane due to my crippling indecisiveness. The usual."

She laughed and shook her head, looking at how pitiful I must have looked. "I don't know why you're stressing yourself out. Just let yourself like the boy. It's simple."

I popped up from my position and looked at her. She had on black leggings with reindeer socks pulled over and a white scoop neck sweater on, hugging her curves. She adjusted her brown nose and antlers in the mirror, making sure it wasn't flattening her tight, black curls that flowed down her back. "How do you even know I was talking about him? I'm indecisive about a lot of things."

She turned her attention from the mirror to me, only to give me a condescending look. "I''m not stupid, girl. You've been acting weird all week and when you do finally come home after spending hours on end with that boy, you go through these weird ass moods swings. I don't know why you don't just make it easy on yourself and face the truth, dumb ass."

"It's not that simple, ok?"

"And why not?" Analys asked as she emerged from her room, adorned in a white, form fitting long sleeved dress and the same antlers and nose as her cousin.

"It's complicated." I said flatly, wishing the topic was never brought up to begin with.

"Bitch it's because you're making it complicated. Just let yourself move on. I'll interview him tonight and let you know if he passes and then you can just move on from there," she said with a sly smile.

"Don't bad things always happen after your infamous interviews? Like it never works out?" Carina asked with a chuckle.

"All the more reason it's complicated. Thanks for understanding," I said sarcastically as I got up from the couch.

"Whatever, are you riding with us there?" Analys asked as she slipped on her booties.

I shook my head, walking towards my room. "He's picking me up and then we're heading over. Forewarning, he'll be here when you guys get back since he's taking me to the airport." I paused before walking inside, hearing them giggling and whispering to each other. "Don't make it fucking weird!"

I heard them both laugh as the door closed behind them. I rolled my eyes at the thought of Lachlan meeting them, fearing they'd be too much for him to handle in one night, especially with liquor in their system. It's not that they're mean or anything, they are just extremely protective, and that intensifies when they drink, which I know they'll be doing tonight.

I sighed as I made sure all of my belongings were set up on my bed aside from my shoes, which were waiting for me by the door. Just as I was picking up his gift and placing it on my bed, I heard a knock at the door. I took a deep breath as I walked over, my nerves winding up in the pit of my stomach. I smiled as I opened the door for him and told him to come in. I took in the hunter green v-neck sweater that was hugging the muscles of his arms as well as the rest of his slim figure. I looked away, hoping my eyes hadn't lingered too long. "Early as usual. I'm almost ready, I just need to get the finishing touch to my outfit." I stopped and looked back at him, noticing the large, flat, rectangular present in his hands. "Wait, what's that?"

He gave me a toothy grin and gave the present to me. "I got you something."

I put on a frown, trying to fake disappointment. "We never talked about exchanging gifts." I looked away and let out a dramatic sigh. "I guess it's a good thing I got you something, too," I said looking back at him, not able to conceal my smile anymore.

"You didn't need to get me anything, you know," he said, smiling back at me brightly.

"You look beautiful by the way," I heard him call from the living room.

I quietly chuckled to myself as I put the present down and sat the antlers on my head and placed the red nose on my face. "You haven't seen the best part!" I called back to him. I slipped on some black booties and and picked up my purse and phone from the bed. I walked out the door, waiting for Lachlan to notice me. He looked up from his watch and bursted out laughing. "Just call me Rudolph, Dollface," I said dramatically as I helped him up from the chair.

"Please call me Lachlan, Rudolph," he said back to me, still laughing as he pulled his phone from his pocket and aimed it towards me. I posed quickly, attempting to act like a reindeer, though I'm sure I failed. He laughed and grabbed me into him, the warmth of his body giving me goosebumps. He aimed his camera so that we could take a selfie. I responded by making a silly face as he gave me a kiss on the cheek. My face reddened instantly at the contact as I saw the flash go off. I looked at him, faux disgust in my eyes as he just gave the camera his irresistible smile. God, how I loved his smile.

"I think we should get going. I think it's best we leave before it gets too crazy since I kind of want to take a nap before the flight."

He nodded and extended his arm towards me. "After you, my lady." I giggled as we walked out the door and towards his car.

"You excited to meet the crazies I call my second family?"I asked as he pulled out of the parking lot, his navigation set to Ash's apartment.

He bit his lip and smiled. "I think I am. It gives me a better glimpse as to who you are, I think. You know, you are who you're friends with?"

I shrugged, thinking about the statement. I suppose it's true, each of my friends do have a little sliver of my personality, but we're also so vastly different that it makes me wonder how we became friends. "I like to think I'm the normal one out my group."

He made a face, resembling a wince. "Shit well if you're the normal one, then you're friends must be truly mad." I playfully shoved him as I chuckled. "Don't push the driver! Do you wanna get in an incident?" he asked dramatically.

I laughed louder. "Fuck you, man." He smiled at me, my nerves easing a little since he seemed so comfortable, then I remembered what Analys said about the interview. "Hey, so before I forgot, you're probably going to get a lot of questions, like how did we meet and what you do. I hope you don't mind but I kind of came up with a half truth cover story for you." He looked at me quickly and nodded, indicating that I should continue explaining. "So, I figured when people ask how we met, you can say you were headed to a campus tour at the university and I ran into you and helped you find your way. Since you were new to the area and didn't know anyone, I gave you my number to help you get acquainted and we just became friends after that. Sounds good?" He nodded, prompting me to continue. "And if they ask what you do, I was thinking you can just keep it simple and say you work as a private video editor and most of your clients live in the area so you moved here as an opportunity to be closer to your work as well as look for other clients."

"Ok, sounds good. I think I can remember that." He said, bobbing his head to the low music playing in the car. "Most of it is true enough, it's just, you know, missing some details. You know, just some minor things." He chuckled a little, and I could see it in his eyes that he was relieved that I had thought about this ahead of time.

"I'm really glad you were able to come with me, it means a lot actually." I reached over and placed my hand on his thigh, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

"I'm really glad I am, too. Next time, you meet my friends, yea?" He looked at me quickly and I could see he actually meant it.

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" I asked, genuinely wondering.

He shrugged, "I'm sure they'll love you," he said, trying to reassure me. I nodded slowly, negatives thoughts popping up in my head. "You know, we can tell them a half truth too if you'd like. They don't need to know you are aware of who they are. Besides, I'm sure they would assume you know them just because we spend so much time together and I record with them a lot. It won't be weird, I promise."

He was right. They wouldn't automatically think that I've known about them for years, but that doesn't mean they wouldn't think I was using him, and that was the thought that made me really uneasy. "How about this, if the invite is there, I'll go, but I won't worry about it until the time comes."

He smiled, his eyes staying focused on the road as he lifted my hand and placed a gentle kiss on it. "Sounds good. They really will love you though. They'd be stupid not to." He said the second half of his statement in an almost whisper, like I wasn't suppose to hear it, and that in itself made my face go slightly red.

We sat in silence for a few minutes, listening to the relaxing, Indie Rock music coming through the speakers of his car until we pulled into the parking lot of Ash's complex. Lachlan turned off his car and stared straight ahead for a moment. "You ok?" I asked, swiveling my head around to try to get into his line of vision.

He nodded slowly. "I just got a little nervous, that's all. I'll be fine. Let's go."

We got out of the car and I clasped onto his arm, both because it was cold and I felt he needed me there. We approached the door and I gave his hand a tight squeeze. "We'll only stay for an hour or two, ok?" I felt his anxious energy and I was doing my best to calm him down.

He pumped my hand a few times and I could feel his pulse slow down a bit. "Ok, I'm ready." I knocked and felt his hand fall from mine.

Ash opened the door, overly excited as usual and grabbed me, picking me up from my spot and swinging me around. "KD has finally arrived!" he screamed in my ear.

I laughed, realizing how much I had missed him "I've missed you, Ash! We need to catch up!" I saw Ash's eyes wander over to Lachlan, watching as he slowly looked him up and down. I smirked, already knowing what he was thinking. "This is my friend, Lachlan. Lachlan, this is Ash."

I watched as Lachlan extended his hand towards Ash, as a wide, flirty grin crossed Ash's face. "Sorry, man. I'm a hugger." I giggled silently as Ash pulled Lachlan into a hug. Lachlan looked at me for help and I just shook my head, indicating that he was on his own. "We treat our friends like family. You'll get used to it." He released him from the hug, Ash's eyes still lingering on Lachlan's features. "Come inside. There's drinks in the kitchen and snacks on the table. The food should be out in a minute, we're just waiting for the last person to get here and they should be here in a bit."

Lachlan smiled at Ash, not seeming as uncomfortable after the hospitable welcome. "Thanks, I really appreciate it, man." I led Lachlan in and watched as he took in the scene. I looked around, making sure he wasn't here. He was close to Ash, but maybe he didn't make it to Orlando yet. "Are those your roommates?"

I looked over at them as they were caught in conversation. I nodded, hoping he couldn't sense how nervous I was for them to meet. "Do you want me to introduce you to them?" He nodded a little more confidently than I had expected. I let out a breath before leading him over, both girls looking at us with huge smirks as we approached the couch.

"So this is Kali's new boo," Analys said, mischief laced in her voice.

"Lachlan, this is Analys and Carina. Guys, this is Lachlan. Be nice," I warned, more to Analys than Carina.

He smiled nervously and sat next to Carina. I slid in the space next to him. "It's nice to finally meet you. Kal's told me so much about you guys." He gently placed a hand on my thigh, causing me to blush due to the mild act of affection in front of my friends.

"Oh Kal has?"" Carina asked, putting extra emphasis on the nickname as my face grew redder. "Interesting, she wouldn't tell us anything about you."

"This is very true," Analys piped in. "Come on, Lachlan. Let's go get some drinks and we can talk and get to know each other." Before he could respond, she pulled him up by the arm and dragged him into the kitchen. The only thing I could do was mouth a quick 'sorry', knowing Analys was going to make this talk happen one way or another.

"Don't worry," Carina said, laughing and watching Lachlan and her cousin interact in the kitchen. He was about a foot taller than me, making him about a foot and a half taller than Analys. It was comical watching as she basically ordered him to pick a drink and how he had just reluctantly accepted as he couldn't say no. "She said she would go easy on him. She doesn't wanna scare this one off."

I laughed, knowing Carina found these little interviews as ridiculous as I did. "What do you think so far?"

She shrugged. "We've exchanged like twenty words. I can't really form a real impression off that, but you've been trying to fight a smile since you've been here and I'm assuming that has to do with him. You guys are cute together." She gave me a genuine smile. She knew how much I valued her opinion, so she was always sure to be honest with me which I needed. "Plus, I don't know how you haven't died yet. His accent is low key everything, man."

We laughed in our seats, trying to not draw too much attention to ourselves. "Girl!" I heard Ash squeal as he sat between Carina and I, his friend Zee following behind him. "That dude you brought, are you guys a thing or no?"

I bit my lip, trying to hold back a smile since I knew where this was going. "Nah, we're just friends. Why do you ask?"

"Kali put me onto him," Ash asked, raising his eyebrows suggestively.

Carina laughed hysterically, trying to conceal it with her hand but failing. "Bruh, I don't think he swings that way."

Ash sucked his teeth. "You never know until you try. Maybe that tall, glass of milk over there needs some chocolate in his mix." Ash eyed Lachlan in a way I'm certain would make him blush if he knew. We all laughed, loving how dramatic and carefree Ash was.

Zee sat on Ash's lap, leaning against him so she could get a better view into the kitchen. "Chill, Ash. He's obviously crazy into Kali, but if you guys really are just friends, feel free to slide him my number. I heard him talking in the kitchen and girl, I wouldn't mind going down under with him." She looked into the kitchen watching as Lachlan spoke to Analys, their faces a little more serious than before.

Something made my stomach turn. The thought of Zee and Lachlan together made me feel uncomfortable. She was tall and had a perfect figure. She had long, wavy, light brown hair, hazel eyes, and full lips. Zee was the kind of everyday pretty that would make the most confident person second guess themselves, and it never helped that since we've met, she always felt this need to compete with me.

Carina gave her a playful shove. "Stop being a cochina. Like you said, he's crazy into Kali, right?" She said it with a chuckle, but it was obvious Carina was telling Zee to drop it.

Zee raised her hands in defense. "I was just putting the offer out there in case Kali was trying to keep it friendly. I know when to shut the fuck up. Come on, Ash. I need another drink." The two got up from the couch and slid into the kitchen behind Lachlan and Analys.

Carina rolled her eyes as they walked away. "I really don't think I fuck with that girl."

I shrugged. "She's nice and funny most of the time. She can just be a little much."

Carina looked away, looking behind me. "A little too much for me. Bran and Vero are coming up so drop the subject." I nodded in understanding.

"KD and Cari!" I heard Brandon exclaim from behind me. I turned, greeting them with a warm smile. "We haven't seen you guys in ages."

Carina laughed as the couple sat next to me. "You know us two are viejitas. It's past our bedtimes as it is."

I nodded and giggled in agreement. It's a miracle if I'm up past eleven. I swear when I turned 21, I actually turned 60. I just can't hang like I used to, man.' Everyone laughed, remembering the party animal I had been when I was 19 and 20. They didn't know I used the alcohol and excitement to cope, but I preferred it that way.

"Yea, well we know who was responsible for that," Veronica said as she motioned to Analys who was walking back with Lachlan.

He gave me a smile as he handed me my drink. I returned the smile and gave him some space to return to his spot between Carina and I. "Thanks," I said. He nodded and returned his hand to my knee. I looked at it for a moment and decided to join it, lacing my fingers atop his, feeling a little more comfortable doing so. "By the way, Lachlan, this is Brandon and Veronica. Brandon and Veronica, this is Lachlan."

He looked over at the couple and smiled. "It's nice to meet you guys."

"Same!" Veronica said. "I thought we were going to be the only couple here like usual."

I shook my head a little, hoping Lachlan wouldn't feel uncomfortable at the inference she had made. "Oh, no. We're just friends."

He gave me a smile, making me feel like I had made the right choice in downplaying whatever we were. "Yea. I've only known her for a few weeks, but this girl is awesome. Though, if I'm honest, I would love to hear some Kali stories."

Brandon laughed, knowing he had been there first hand to experience most of my stories. "Oh, we have some Kali stories. Most of them are because of this girl right here," he said pointing at Analys.

Analys scuffed at the accusation. "Man, fuck you. I just like to ensure that we're always having a good time, ok?"

We all laughed at Analys's reaction until we all heard the door open. He was here. I felt Carina place a hand on my back, supporting me in case I freaked out a bit. There seemed to be excitement around me, but I couldn't hear anything. I couldn't focus my eyes on anything either as my vision started clouding over.

I was broken out of my trance when I finally heard him speak. "Great. First semester was torture but I made it, Bran. How have you been?" It felt weird, hearing his voice in person and not just as a little voice in my head. It almost sounded foreign hearing the sound come through my ears, something I was no longer used to.

I felt Lachlan put his arm around me and I stiffened in response, unsure of how to feel about his touch in that moment. My eyes watched him as he walked closer to us, sitting beside Brandon. I felt his eyes lock on me but I couldn't bring myself to look up at him. "Hey Cari, Ana," he said, pausing for a second. "Kali," he said slowly, his voice dripping with too many emotions for me to process. "It's been a while."

My voice was stuck in my throat and it took everything in me force it out. What do I say to the person that helped build me up when I was at my worst? What do I say to the person whose heart I broke out of fear of what could happen? I said the only thing I could manage. "Hi Reese."