frannyfry: I'm glad you like James and Jackie's back and forth. I love writing it :) Thank you so much for reading and for taking the time to review! It means so much to me.
thesandbar: AW THANK YOU. Dude, we've gotta come up with a couple name for Kendall and Jackie ;) And Milena's the bomb, yo. Fuck you, you amazing reader/reviewer ;)
RandomWriter23: Well uh...my brain prefers to be unwashed, thanks *thumbs up* Aw thank you! God, I love you so much! I'm so happy I got around to FINALLY writing a story with me as his sister cause...yeah it's fun to make fun of him. Hehe.
iheartrock: Thank you so much! You're right, James is SO lucky to have Jackie :) Thank you for reading and reviewing!
Psyche Griffin: IKR? James needs to chill! Seriously. Thank you so much! I'm glad you like it :)
"Oh Ja-ames, you're gonna be la-ate," I half-yelled, half-sang upstairs to my brother.
"Coming!" James yelled back. A minute later, James came running downstairs, buttoning up his shirt. "How do I look?"
He pulled off a little spin and Mom and I nodded our approval. "Very let's-celebrate-our-engagement-y," I laughed.
"Um...that's what I was going for?" James shrugged, going along with my...special language.
"Exactly. I knew it," I grinned. "Now go!"
"Have fun tonight!" Mom called as I pushed my brother to the door.
"Did you-"
"Reservations have been made for seven o' clock, candlelit table, napkins folded like swans-"
"You're hilarious," James cut me off, rolling his eyes. "But also the best little sister ever."
"Why the 'but'?," I teased. "It should be an 'and'."
"Oh look at that," he shook his head. "So modest, too."
"I learn from the best," I smirked.
"Hmm. Let Mom know I probably won't be coming home tonight, ok? But please, no jokes. I'm begging you."
"Nope," I shook my head. "No jokes. BUT make sure you get at least a little sleep. I need you awake for my party tomorrow."
"You suck," James whined.
"Swallow, too," I winked.
"OH EW OK I'M LEAVING BYE LOVE YOU EW EW EW EW EW." James continued making gagging noises until he was in his car. By that time, I was pretty sure I had a six pack from laughing.
But c'mon, that one was good, right?
Eh?
EH?
"Bye Jamie!" I waved as he backed down the driveway. "Love you!"
"See you tomorrow, baby sis!" James blew me a kiss and waved before taking off down the street.
Sometimes he's the sweetest brother ever, and others, a major pain in the ass. I need my moments of revenge.
Hehe.
I shut the door with my foot as I lazily scrolled through my twitter feed, stopping in the kitchen when I received a text.
FUCK YEAH IT'S KENDALL.
"Hey Mom?"
"Yeah, honey?"
"Is it ok if I go to the mall with Kendall?"
She turned and raised an eyebrow at me. "For?"
"He wants to get something for James and Kali."
"Oh that's sweet," she smiled. "Sure, go ahead. What time will you be back?"
"Probably seven, seven thirty-ish."
"Sounds good. Have fun." Mom kissed my forehead before making her way upstairs. "I'll catch up with Lisa!" she yelled over her shoulder.
You do that, Mom.
I unlocked my phone again and texted Kendall back. I got the all clear :)
Awesome. Pick you up in five.
I sighed and rocked back and forth on my feet. What am I supposed to do now?
Trust me, when you're waiting for someone, five minutes is like five years.
Legit.
That's true shit right there.
How to entertain myself...
Food. Food is good. Food is a fun time.
I took an apple out of our fruit basket and washed it off before biting into it. I don't know what fucked up pesticide is going on my food. Hell yeah, I'mma wash it. After tossing the apple core in the trash, I grabbed my purse off the counter and stood by the door.
Any minute now, Kendall.
Any minute...
Anytime at all.
Just text me.
I'm hanging out here.
Yup. Any minute.
Aaaaaany miiiiiiinute.
The doorbell rang and I jumped. Wow, I'm stupid. Waiting here for the doorbell, and then I get freaked out by it.
James is right. I am a weirdo.
Huh. Whatevs.
"Mom, I'm leaving!" I yelled upstairs.
"See you later, sweetie!"
I opened the door and smiled up at Kendall. "Well hey there."
"Hey Jackie. You all ready to go?"
"Mmhm," I smiled displaying my purse and phone. "I'm all good. Let's go."
We drove to the mall and entered through the east wing, me practically running to keep up with his long strides. "What are you planning on getting them?" I asked Kendall.
"No idea. That's why you're here," he chuckled.
"Oh thanks. So I'm just your advisor?" I teased.
"Nah, I'll promote you to...let's see...how's Chief of Staff?" he smirked.
"Shut up," I giggled. "You're such a dork."
"So is that a nix on the promotion, then?"
"Please tell me you're not serious," I snorted, shaking my head. "Anyway, how come I'm not being blinded by camera flashes? How is there no paparazzi?"
"They don't know we're home," Kendall shrugged. "Thank god. They'll be on our asses the whole tour."
"Yay," I muttered.
"Don't worry," he smiled sweetly, taking my hand in his. "You'll have me and the big bro to hurt anyone who touches you."
"Thanks," I laughed. "So I guess you're-"
"YO KENDALL!"
Kendall whipped around at the familiar voice and my hand slipped out of his.
Boo.
"Jason!" Kendall's face broke into a wide smile as he hugged his high school friend. "How've you been, man?"
"Good, good," Jason smiled. "I didn't know you were gonna be back in town."
"Only for a week," Kendall sighed. "Starting tour soon."
"Hey, that's pretty kick ass! So you..." Jason trailed off as he noticed me behind Kendall. "Damn, Jackie. Good to see you," he smirked. "You look fantastic."
"Doesn't she?" Kendall smiled, wrapping a protective arm around my waist. "I thought I'd take her out to get something special before we leave. You know, it's hard being away from my girl for so long," he sighed.
Wow, Ken. Way to lay it on thick.
"Oh damn, I didn't know you guys were like, together. Sorry," Jason quickly apologized. "I'm uh, I'm gonna go catch up with my buds. See you around, Kendall." He waved and took off in the opposite direction.
As soon as he was out of earshot, I moved to stand across from Kendall and propped a hand on my hip. "My girl, huh?" I smirked. "Just can't stand to see any other man within a ten foot radius of me."
"That was only for your brother," Kendall blushed. "Making up for yesterday."
"Oh. Um...yeah. Right." Well that one stung like a bitch.
"Jackie?" Kendall called softly.
"You know, I'm thinking we should get something for the house," I immediately changed the subject. "James is planning on buying one after we get home from tour, so that would be nice."
"Jackie."
"That's on the other side of the mall. We should get going."
"Jackie." I could tell he was getting impatient now.
"C'mon, Ken." I started walking to the bridge to cross to the other side of the mall.
"Jacqueline."
I froze and turned around. Kendall never calls me Jacqueline. Never.
"Yeah?" I squeaked out.
"You know I didn't mean that," he sighed. "I was just covering up. I-I really like you, Jackie. Always have, always will. I'm just scared to make it real because I don't want to lose this amazing friendship we have because we're so close and I feel like-"
I walked up to him and pressed my lips to his, effectively shutting him up. "You were rambling," I explained with a smile after pulling away. "And I know. I understand all of that. That's why I haven't said anything, either. I mean, we've both hinted at it, but...yeah."
"Wow we suck at this, don't we?" Kendall laughed.
"Yup, pretty much," I agreed, laughing with him.
"Do you think James will want to murder me?"
"Possibly," I shrugged. "Would he...no, he wouldn't. He wouldn't do that," I finally decided. "Wait, does that mean-"
"I've wanted you to be my girlfriend for over six years now," Kendall smiled sheepishly. "Can we- Can we finally make that true, Jackie?"
"Of course, Kendall," I smiled before slowly kissing him once more. "We should probably stop doing that in public, right?" I giggled.
"Nah, that's ok." Kendall leaned forward again and I put my finger on his nose to stop him.
"Save it for later," I winked. "Now let's go get something for the lovebirds!"
I took his hand and marveled in the feeling of his fingers entwined with mine, slightly calloused from years of guitar playing.
There's just something about that I love.
I was thrown multiple dirty looks along the way to the store from girls I went to high school with, no doubt jealous of the fact that I have an attractive brother and boyfriend.
Hell yeah, bitch. I went there.
"Alright, Jackie, what should we get?" Kendall asked once we were inside the store.
"Um...I honestly don't know. Should we try just looking around?"
Kendall shrugged. "Sure. Sounds good to me."
The two of us strolled around the store for a while before finally settling on a set of picture frames with multiple spots for photos, designated with phrases underneath like "First Date", "Engagement", "Wedding", and so on.
"It's perfect," I smiled, handing it to the cashier.
"For you two?" she smiled. "Very sweet."
"Oh it's not for us," Kendall laughed. "For my best friend-"
"For my brother-" I explained at the same time.
"For my brother, his best friend," I finally got out. "Does that make more sense now?"
"Yeah, hon," she laughed. "Let me just get this wrapped up for you."
"Thanks. I think they'll like it," I told Kendall as she wrapped the gift.
"Me too," he grinned. "Good work, Jackie."
"We both found it," I insisted.
"True," Kendall smiled. He gave my hand a quick squeeze. "I think you're my good luck charm."
"You're so corny," I giggled.
"Oh way to kill it," he rolled his eyes.
"Sorry. Ehem. Aww how sweet! Better?"
"Much," Kendall laughed. He took the bag from the cashier after paying. "Thanks so much."
"Sure thing. Have a nice day!" she called as we walked out.
"Hey, do you mind if we make a quick stop at my house before I drop you off?"
"Sure," I shrugged. "I literally have nothing to do today."
"Awesome. And I feel like being a fat ass. You want some ice cream?"
"Well you're random," I laughed. "But sure. They put a Cold Stone in while you guys were in LA."
"Hell to the fucking no," Kendall breathed out. "Let's go."
"It's on the way out," I grinned. "C'mon."
"I never thought I'd say I miss Shakopee," Kendall mumbled as he put another spoonful in his mouth.
"Hey, I'm here at home!" I teased.
"Well of course I missed you, idiot," he laughed. "I meant this small town."
"Thank god I finally get to escape here, even if it's only for a little while," I sighed.
"Why the sigh?" Kendall asked me as he opened the car door for me.
"Thanks," I smiled gratefully. After he was in the car, the two of us settled down to enjoy our ice cream. "It's just...I mean, James and Kali are moving to LA after they get married. And I'm really happy for them, of course. I just...I dunno. I feel like I'll be stuck here forever."
"You don't have to be," Kendall said simply. "Come back with us."
I raised an eyebrow at him. "How? I have college here."
"Transfer to UCLA," he shrugged.
"Yeah, cause that's easy, Ken," I laughed.
"It is for you," he grinned. "C'mon, you've got great grades. You could definitely get in."
"But then I'd have to buy an apartment because I really don't wanna stay in a dorm with some random ass college kid."
"Or you could move in with me," Kendall suggested.
"That one's...definitely something to consider," I giggled. "I'll see how everything works out, k?"
"You better not forget I said that, missy," he said sternly, poking my cheek.
"I won't!" I laughed. "Promise."
"Good." Kendall nodded, satisfied, and began driving to his house.
"So what are we getting from here?"
"Something."
"Oh very descriptive, Kendall," I rolled my eyes. "Why can't you tell me?"
"Because," he smiled, pulling into his driveway, "I'd rather show you."
"Ugh fine," I laughed. "Making me walk."
"I'm so sorry," he teased. The two of us walked into the Schmidts' house hand in hand.
"Did it finally happen?" Kathy squealed as soon as Kendall closed the door.
"Yup," Kendall laughed. "Sure did."
"I'm so proud of you for finally asking Jackie!"
"Oh my god," Kendall groaned as she came forward to give me a hug.
I laughed and hugged her back. She's so cute.
"I've gotta get that thing for Jackie and then we're heading back to the Maslows', ok?"
"Sure thing, honey," she smiled. "I'm just so happy right now."
"Going upstairs!" Kendall laughed, pulling me towards the staircase.
"So...what is that thing?" I questioned as we made our way up to his room.
"Jesus, woman, you'll see in a minute. Less than that, actually." Kendall opened the door to his room and smiled apologetically at me. "You know I never clean. Because-"
"Life's too short to be organized," I snorted. "I know, I know. Don't worry about it."
"And that's why I lo- like you so much."
"Mmhm," I smirked. "Alright, let's see it."
"I was gonna do all this tomorrow but I couldn't wait any longer," Kendall smiled. "So here." He pulled a box out of his top drawer and opened it towards me.
In his hands was a beautiful silver necklace with J & K in a heart.
"I want to get it engraved with June 16, 2013," he added, biting his lip. "Do you like it?"
"I-I love it," I breathed out. "It's beautiful. Put it on for me?"
"Of course," Kendall smiled. "I'm so happy you like it."
"Why wouldn't I?" I giggled, shivering slightly as the cold metal touched my neck. Kendall adjusted the length and fixed the clasp before kissing my neck and letting my hair down. I turned around and beamed at him. "How's it look?"
"Perfect. Absolutely perfect. Like it was always meant to be there."
"Oh Ken!" I cried, throwing my arms around his neck. "This is amazing. The best gift I've ever gotten. I-"
There was a faint knock on the door and Mama Schmidt poked her head in. "I hope I'm not interrupting," she chuckled. "Your mom just called, honey. She said she needs you home to set up for tomorrow."
"Ok," I nodded. "Thanks for letting me know. Why didn't she just call me?"
"She did."
I pulled out my phone and glanced at the screen. 1 missed call: Mom
Awkward.
"Alright, I should head home then," I smiled.
"Shall we?" Kendall gestured to the door and I nodded.
"I'll see you tomorrow, Mama Schmidt," I said before giving her a hug.
"Just leave it at Mama," she grinned. "It's what all my babies call me."
"Mama," Kendall whined.
"See?" she winked at me. "Oh and Kendall, you're staying to help Cathy out."
"Cathy with a C?" he questioned.
"No honey, I meant me," she shook her head. "My boys are something else, Jackie, I'll tell you that. And the necklace looks lovely, sweetheart," Kathy commented, making me blush.
"Thanks," I mumbled.
"You two'd better go. I'm sure there's a lot to set up for tomorrow. Have fun!"
"See you then," I smiled and took off down the stairs. I walked to the mirror in the hallway to admire my new necklace. Kendall's arms came around my waist and he rested his chin on the top of my head. He smiled at our reflection in the mirror. "What's with the little smile?" I asked him.
"It really does look perfect, Jackie," he said before kissing the top of my head.
"Oh." That was the only thing I was capable of saying at the time. He's just so sweet.
"Should we head out?"
"Sure," I smiled. "Let's go."
"And this table over here, sweetie."
Kendall groaned and walked over to the table, me behind him, giggling. "C'mon, Ken, be a man," I teased. "Let's go, Mr. Muscles."
Kendall made an incoherent noise and stuck his tongue out at me before placing his hands under the table. "Well aren't you lovely," I muttered, lifting the other end of the table. "Here, Mom?" I yelled.
"Yup, right there is fine."
We gently placed the table down and Kendall flopped into a nearby chair. "Are we done?" I sighed.
"Mmhm," she smiled. "But we've only been working for-" she paused to check her watch. "-two hours."
"It's ten o'clock already?"
"Sadly, yes. But at least everything's set up now!" Mom beamed at me and I couldn't help but smile back.
"How many people are coming anyway?" Kendall asked her.
"Um...fifty? Yeah, that sounds right."
I raised both eyebrows and scrunched up my nose. "Fifty? Seriously? Like who?"
"Friends and family," she said simply.
"As in people I don't like but we should keep connections with?" I offered.
"Precisely."
Fantastic, I mouthed to Kendall.
He snorted and shrugged his shoulders. I smiled at him and moved to sit in his lap, resting my head on his shoulder. Kendall placed his arm around my waist and rested his head on mine. "You tired?"
"A little," I shrugged. "We should probably eat something, huh?"
"That would be smart," he smiled. "What do you feel like having?"
"I'm thinking Chinese."
"Sounds good to me. I'll order a-"
"Wait, are you two finally together?" Mom cut in.
"Uh...maybe," I smiled sheepishly.
"Is that a yes, Jacqueline?" Mom teased, raising her left eyebrow.
"Yeah," I laughed. "Is that-Are you ok with that?"
"I'm fine with it. Happy, in fact. You're turning twenty one tomorrow, Jackie. I trust you. Besides, it's Kendall. He's practically my second son."
"True," Kendall nodded at me.
"Hey Mom?" I called. She was fiddling with a flower arrangement on one of the tables.
"Lemme try," Kendall winked. "Mom?"
"Hmm?" She turned with a smile.
"Are. You. Kidding. Me?" I threw my hands up. "You answer when Kendall calls you, but not me?"
"I was her son before you were her daughter," he teased and nuzzled my neck.
"Oh shut up," I laughed. "Have you eaten yet, Mom?"
"Nope. Guess we should, hmm?"
"We were gonna order Chinese," Kendall told her.
"Great," Mom smiled. "If you guys don't mind, I'm gonna go change. Call me when it's here?"
"Sure," I nodded. I stood up and stretched, my back cracking loudly. "God, I need to work out," I sighed. "You wanna do yoga on tour with me?" I laughed.
"Um...so Chinese?" he laughed, avoiding the question.
"Alright, alright fine. Fatty," I teased.
"Nu uh," Kendall shot back.
"Yeah huh."
"Mm mm girl, no you di-int."
"Mmhm boy, yes I di-Ok seriously this is gonna take forever. Who's ordering?" I laughed.
"I will. You go change into something more comfortable, love." Kendall stood up and pushed me into the house. "C'mon. Let's go. Little faster, Jackie. C'mon."
"I don't like moving," I whined.
"What, do I have to carry you upstairs now?"
"Well...it would be nice," I smiled angelically. Kendall shot me a look and I held my hands up in defense. "Alright, I'm kidding! Jesus. I'll be back in a minute." I kissed his cheek and ran upstairs, stopping on the top step to look back at my boyfriend.
OH MY FUCK THAT'S MY BOYFRIEND. JAMES IS GONNA FLIP SHIT BUT I COULDN'T CARE LESS RIGHT NOW CAUSE THAT'S MY BOYFRIEND.
Ok, got that one out. I'm good.
I walked down the hallway to my room and changed into yoga pants and a tank top before making my way back downstairs.
"Whatcha order?" I asked Kendall, sinking down onto the couch next to him.
"The usual," he replied, kissing my temple. "That ok?"
"Totally fine," I sighed and cuddled up to him.
We sat in silence for a while, content with the warmth of eachother and SNL skits on TV.
Let me rephrase that. It was silent until we found SNL on TV.
"OHMYGOD JUSTIN NO!" I squealed.
"THAT'S JUST...OHMYGOD THAT'S FANTASTIC!" Kendall burst out laughing.
"And this is why I love Justin Timberlake," I snorted, launching into another fit of giggles.
"What are you two watching down here?" Mom smiled down at the two of us on the couch.
"SNL," I squeaked out. "With Justin. He's-He's Classic Peg!"
"In- the- warshin'-machine," Kendall added through giggles.
"I...don't even want to know anymore," Mom laughed. The doorbell rang and I smiled at my mom.
"It's here!" I yelled.
"Thanks, Jackie, I didn't hear the doorbell," she shook her head. "Would you like me to get it?"
"Please?"
Mom smiled at me before grabbing her wallet and going to the door.
I mean, I would get it. But the door is...it's so far away. Call me lazy, but...yeah that's it, you can just call me lazy.
She placed the bag on the table and grabbed a carton out of it. "I'm gonna take mine upstairs. And Kendall, you're welcome to stay over tonight, sweetheart."
"Thanks, Mom," he smiled at her.
"Anytime. Love you guys. Goodnight."
"Night, Mom," I smiled. "Love you."
"So she figured out James isn't coming home, huh?" Kendall laughed, moving to sit on the edge of the couch so he could take the food containers out of the bag.
"I'm pretty sure she figured it out as soon as he said 'celebrating our engagement'," I giggled. "But c'mon. It's James."
"And?" Kendall prompted.
"Well he can be...suggestive."
"Like you aren't?" he snorted.
"Hey what's that supposed to mean?" I cried, my jaw dropping.
"Oh Jackie," he teased, shaking his head. "Gold?"
"Yeah well that was...that was..."
"That was...?"
"Necessary," I pouted. "You were being stupid and not figuring out what I wanted."
"I'm so sorry," Kendall smirked at me. "But I fixed it now, right?" he winked, handing me my Lo Mein.
"Yeah yeah," I teased, accepting the carton and a pair of chopsticks. "You're a regular Romeo."
"Why thank you, Juliet."
I made a face and shook my head. "Ugh nevermind, that means we die!"
"Ok um...Rose?"
"Jack dies in Titanic, smarts."
"Belle?" he offered.
"You were never a beast," I laughed, thoroughly enjoying myself.
"You're making this difficult," he pouted.
"Aw c'mon, keep trying!"
"Jane?"
"As in Tarzan? Really?"
"Good point. How about Barbie?"
"Why, cause you're my Ken?" I giggled.
"Exactly."
"I don't plan on going blonde anytime soon, honey," I smirked.
"Fine um...I've always wanted to be Spiderman. Peter Parker and Mary-Jane."
"Oh so now I'm a drug?" I snorted.
"I'm so done with you." Kendall laughed and settled down on the couch with his food.
"Noooo," I whined, moving over until our legs were touching. "I'll start singing one of your songs," I threatened.
"Go for it," he grinned. "You haven't sung in front of me in ages."
"Jerk."
"Thank you, darling."
"Annoying jerk."
"Wrong adjective."
"Adorable jerk."
"Better. Keep going."
"Idiot."
"Ooh switching up words there, are we?" Kendall raised an eyebrow at me and smirked.
"Stop being so...meh," I pouted.
"Please, Jackie, teach me how to not be so 'meh'."
"Kendall!"
"Jackie!"
"Shut up."
"Fine."
"Good."
He pointed at his mouth and shook his head, then down at his food and made puppy dog eyes at me.
"I didn't really mean shut up," I giggled.
"Well that's good, cause I'm hungry," he grinned.
"Can I call you a dork? Is that acceptable?" I teased.
"Oh trust me, I know I'm a dork. The question is: Can you handle my dorkiness?"
"I have for almost twenty one years," I smiled.
"Hmm, very true."
"Y'know, we should stop talking and eat."
"I like the way you think, Jackie," Kendall nodded.
I switched to ABC Family where they were showing The Blind Side instead of watching SNL cause, y'know, I'd like to not choke and die.
God, can you imagine that? "Here lies Jacqueline Maslow, death by choking on Chinese food because Justin Timberlake is too damn hilarious." Huh. That's pretty sad. Although laughing would be an awesome way to go...
"Jackie?"
I shook my head out of my thoughts and turned to Kendall. "Hmm?"
"You ok?"
"Fine."
"Alright. You kinda drifted off and then started mumbling something about JT."
"Oh god," I blushed. "Just...nevermind. Weird story."
"Uh huh. I'm sure. You ready to head upstairs?"
"Yeah," I yawned. "Let's go."
"Let's go?"
"Upstairs."
"Me too?"
"Uh yeah, ya dork."
"You want me to sleep in your bed...with you?"
"Kendall," I sighed, "I've been strategically sleeping in between you and James at sleepovers since I was fifteen."
Every time the guys slept over, they'd roll out one giant sleeping bag and hang out on the floor there. So, naturally, I'd slip in between the big bro and cute crush at night, claiming to have a bad dream and needing to be close to James, but actually cuddling up to Kendall.
Not that he minded, either. I mean, clearly. Look at us now.
But James never figured it out because by the time they got up, I was already back under his arm, facing him, hand on his chest.
I perfected the art.
Seriously.
Call me, we'll talk about it.
I'll teach you my ways.
"Jackie?"
"Did I zone out again?" I laughed.
"Just a bit," Kendall chuckled.
"Yeah, I was reminiscing about my old ways. I was smart back then."
"So you're...not...anymore?"
"Huh, I guess that's how it sounded, didn't it?" I bit my lip and nodded, then shook my head. "Anyway, let's go upstairs."
I walked around the house and made sure all the doors were locked before leading Kendall upstairs. "You have an extra pair of shorts or whatever here?" I asked him.
"Probably," he shrugged. "I'll go check James' room. Be back in two secs."
I blushed and nodded.
"Why're you...OH YOU THOUGHT I SAID- Naughty, naughty," Kendall smirked and winked at me.
"Just go," I giggled, pushing him into my brother's room. I ran to my own room and jumped onto my bed, smiling like an idiot.
Wow my ceiling is so...boring. Maybe I should put some posters of the guys there. Or just Kendall. Yeah. Then at night I can- OK DONE WITH THAT TRAIN OF THOUGHT BACK THE TRUCK UP AND PARK IT NEVERMIND.
"I'm back!" Kendall announced as he flopped down on my bed next to me in an old pair of sweatpants and...nothing else.
Dear Jesus, he's shirtless.
I LOVE YOU LORD. THANK YOU. I WILL GO TO CHURCH EVERY SUNDAY. THANK YOU.
"What, couldn't find a shirt?" I smirked.
"Should I go get one?"
NO IDIOT IDIOT IDIOT LEAVE IT OFF I'M BEGGING YOU LEAVE IT OFF.
"N-no, no, that's ok," I stuttered.
"Mmhm, something tells me you like me like this," Kendall winked.
"Yeah," I squeaked. "We are in Minnesota, though," I pointed out. "Aren't you gonna get cold?"
"Nah," Kendall smiled, slipping under the sheets next to me. "I'll be fine."
Mom poked her head into my room and smiled at us. "Just wanted to make sure everything was alright. Love you guys."
"Goodnight," Kendall and I smiled at her. "Love you, too."
"Hey, did you let your mom know you're staying over?" I asked him once the door was closed.
"Yeah, called her when I was in James' room. We're all good."
"Yay."
Kendall snorted and I giggled.
"That sounded a lot better in my head," I laughed. I reached up and flicked the switch to turn the light off, then cuddled into Kendall's side.
"Hey Jackie?" Kendall called softly as he traced random patterns on my back.
"Hmm?"
"How about Han Solo and Leia?"
"God, you're still on this?" I laughed. "But that one might actually work. I love Harrison Ford."
"I'd love to see you with her hairstyle," Kendall teased.
"You're so mean," I giggled, resting my head on his shoulder with my hand on his bare chest. "Today was a pretty insane day," I sighed contentedly.
"I'm with you on that," he whispered and stroked my hair. "I'm so happy I can finally call you my girlfriend, Jackie. You have no idea how happy I am."
"Try me," I smiled, leaning on my elbow to kiss his nose.
"Do we have enough time for me to explain that?"
"You're so sweet," I mumbled, lying back down and closing my eyes.
Kendall turned towards me so my head was now resting in the crook of his neck.
Oh god, he smells like heaven.
"What cologne are you wearing?" I whispered.
"I think it's Old Spice," he mumbled.
"You think?"
"Didn't really pay attention. Grabbed a random bottle out of the cabinet. Why, do you know exactly what perfume you're wearing?" he teased.
"I do, as a matter of fact. Twilight Woods."
"I like it."
"Thanks," I laughed. "I like whatever you're wearing too, you dork."
"I'll figure it out tomorrow," he chuckled.
I kissed his shoulder and wrapped my arm around his back. "Ken?"
"Hmm?"
"Sing me to sleep?"
"What song, baby girl?"
"Any song. I just want to hear your voice."
Kendall started softly singing I Won't Give Up, making me sigh happily. He stopped abruptly and I looked up at him. "Why'd you stop?"
"Why'd you sigh?"
"It was a happy sigh, don't worry. I used to sing that to Fox when he was a baby and wouldn't sleep. My brother was too lazy to stay up and take care of him."
"That's sweet," he smiled and kissed my forehead. "Oh Jackie?"
"Yeah?"
"Happy Birthday."
I turned slightly and looked at my clock. Sure enough, it read 12:00.
"Thanks, Kenny. You're the best gift I could ever ask for."
"You're adorable," he sighed, pulling me closer to his warm body.
"Can you still sing me to sleep?"
"Of course. Lemme start over."
My eyes fluttered closed as I listened to my boyfriend's sweet voice lulling me to sleep while one thought pounded mercilessly in my head:
He's not going to show up today.