[a/n: holy crap. this chapter is almost at 6000 words. i couldn't stop writing & didn't want to break it up into two chapters. this was one of my favorites to write! hope you all enjoy it and thanks for the 100K reads! :]

//

ARI.

Despite the fact that it was Friday evening, the Pier Pressure shack wasn't busy as normal. I came to the conclusion that because it was October 31st aka Halloween, most people were immersing themselves in shenanigans that probably involved candy, alcohol and bad decisions. For the past few years, I've rejected any party invite, choosing to stay home and passing out candy to all the trick or treaters. That didn't mean I objected to dressing up, because trust me when I say that I've been every single Disney Princess out there complete with spot-on costumes and wigs. This year was Elsa and I was more than excited to slip into my Frozen-inspired dress.

I stood before the wall of red lockers in the back room, untying my red apron and stuffing it into my purse. Taking my hair out of its high ponytail, I ran my fingers through the strands before gathering my things. Jasey popped out from the break room with a set of keys in her hand, and an excited expression painted on her face.

"I'll see you later at the party, right?" Jasey smiled enthusiastically, as she retreated towards the swinging, double doors.

I nodded my head, slamming the locker door shut, "yup. I'll be there with my sister."

"Alright, see you two soon. Bye Ari!" Jasey waved, her keys jingling in her hands. As I bid her a goodbye, she pushed open the doors and proceeded out the back room with an elated skip in her step.

I slung my purse around my body, checking to make sure I had everything before making my way out the door. I waved to my fellow co-workers who were still on shift, and grinned at the few customers we did have who were consuming pounds of seafood in their costumes. I was greeted with the October nighttime air, slightly nippy, but nothing too uncomfortable.

As I walked down the sidewalk and towards my car, I passed by a group of obviously intoxicated people dressed as old people. I chuckled to myself as it reminded me of the boys and how they were notorious for outlandish toomfoolery.

I missed them. A lot.

I hadn't really spoken to any of the guys since the incident at Rita's Italian Ice, let alone spent any time with them aside from small talk during class. Granted, it was Luke I had a problem with, not Calum, Michael or Ashton. But I honestly just needed space and time away from Luke. It wasn't like I was going to ban him from sitting with us during Lunch- this wasn't Mean Girls. So instead of awkwardly existing in Luke's presence, I decided to take myself out of the equation.

Did you know that the Library is a great place to do homework in during lunch hours? The second floor is especially empty, silent, and distraction-free, which were the key ingredients as to why I had all my assignments completed for the next two weeks. Whatever the opposite of procrastination is, times it by five, and that was me: furiously saturating myself with schoolwork instead of having to sit at the same lunch table as quiff boy.

I arrived home with all the windows emitting a warm, yellow light, signaling that not only was my sister awake, but my mother was bopping around the house as well. There were a few stragglers still out on the streets, ringing doorbells for candy, but for the most part, the lateness of the evening prompted most trick or treaters to retreat back home and examine their cavity-breeding loot.

"Mom? Your favorite daughter is home!" I yelled, walking in through the front door and shutting it behind me.

"We've been through this several times before," Mia looked down at me from the top balcony near the stairs, her long dark hair billowing around her face, "you're only the favorite daughter because you're adopted."

"Ha ha," I shot my sister an amused glare, sticking up my middle finger at the same time.

"Anak, don't do that," mom scolded, approaching me from the other end of the foyer. I gasped slightly, rapidly bringing my middle finger behind my back.

(translation: child, dear)

"Sorry my mom," I apologized, trying to stifle a laugh. I caught glimpse of Mia, who was also attempting to keep from bursting into laughter.

"Ingat," mom advised, her eyes scanning between Mia and I with a stern expression. "Behave tonight girls otherwise," she paused to raise an eyebrow, "sasampalin kita."

(translation: be careful; i will slap you)

"Yes mom," both Mia and I promised.

I walked over to our mom and placed a kiss on her cheek, earning a smile from the simple gesture. I ran up the stairs, meeting Mia at the top. I gave her the look and she knew exactly what I meant. The pair of us glanced back down at our beautiful and strong mother before us and together, at the top of our lungs, we declared,

"Mahal ka namin!"

(translation: we love you)

This seemed to put our mother at ease, as it always does, and I knew this because a huge grin erupted on her face.

"I love you too," she stated with a giggle.

"We're gonna get ready now," Mia announced, grabbing my wrist. Our mother nodded her head, turning on her heel and walking away from the foyer, just as Mia pulled me into her brightly lit room. Her makeup was neatly displayed on top of her vanity and her usual sexy costume hung from a hook next to the floor length mirror.

"I'm gonna grab my costume," I told her, heading back out the door.

"I got you a new one," she informed, prompting me to stop in my tracks and curtly turning around. I raised a brow in curiosity as I looked at my sister whose face was dripping with mischievous excitement.

"What is it?" I cautiously asked her.

Knowing my sister, she probably picked out an ensemble meant for a a stripper or a kinky night with your boy toy. Not that there was anything wrong with being scantily clad during Halloween, because dressing overtly sexual has become a norm in my generation, but I was so used to the Disney thing that I didn't want to sway from tradition.

"Okay, don't freak out," Mia demanded, letting out a breath, "but as much as I love your Elsa costume-"

"Which cost me two weeks worth of tips by the way," I interjected.

"I was thinking we kinda match for the party," Mia quickly continued and I stared at her with furrowed brows. "I was talking to Ashton and-"

"Are we coordinating with the boys?" I questioned, cutting her off.

"Ashton and the guys have matching costumes and I thought that was really cute. So I was thinking we have a theme to our's too," Mia suggested. She smiled, a sparkle in her eyes as she spoke and I just knew that I wasn't going to like it.

"What theme were you thinking?" I asked, crossing my arms above my chest.

Instead of orally answering my question, Mia ran to her closet, rummaging in between the clothes she still had left before going away to University. Her fingers grasped a black hanger, pulling out the costume before turning around to face me. She brandished out the wardrobe and immediately my eyes widened with uneasiness.

"What do you think?" Mia asked, her grin spanning from ear to ear. She clearly was more excited than I was. "Since I was going as a sexy firefighter, I was thinking you could go as-"

"A prostitute cop?!" I exclaimed. "That's an oxymoron, you moron! I can't wear that!"

"Why not? You won't be showing that much skin," she proclaimed and I rolled my eyes in response. "Come on, you'll wear some thigh-highs, garters, and look, the top even has some sleeves. The only thing showing will be your belly and you didn't get that piercing for nothing,"

"Ate I don't even think the top will cover my boobs and just because my navel is pieced doesn't mean I want to show it off all the time other than at the beach," I expressed.

(translation: older sister)

"Little sis, when was the last time you've been to a non-family party?" Mia questioned.

"A while, I don't know," I shrugged, wanting to avoid the question. I already knew where this was headed.

"Two years Ari. You haven't stepped foot in a party in two years," Mia confirmed.

"So what? I'm not a party kid like my classmates,"

"Which means that you don't do things most kids your age do. Not saying that you're a boring old lady for wanting to eat a whole tub of ice cream while crying over television characters as oppose to partying, but seriously? One party isn't going to deem you as some immature heathen. Being mature doesn't mean avoiding conformity to your peers; being mature just means being responsible,"

"And what kind of responsible, mature girl goes out to a party knowing that her dad is in the hospital, only to come back home with the news that he has passed?"

"It's been two years Ari, you need to let that go," Mia advised, her tone low, soft, yet demanding all at the same time.

"I shouldn't have left dad that night but I did," I croaked. I plopped down on Mia's bed, biting my lip to keep the tears from escaping my eyes.

"He wanted you to go out. He didn't want you staying with him in a dim and dreary hospital room watching him slowly die. Dad was the most unselfish person ever and all he wanted from the both of us was to live; to feel alive, to take risks and experience all we can because he couldn't do that anymore," Mia blinked and a rampage of tears frantically percolated down her cheeks. I however, tried to keep my cool. There was no way I was going to cry again.

"You're allowed to have fun," Mia continued, "dad, would want you to have fun. If he were still here today, he'd practically shove you out that door and give you cab money in case you wanted to take a sip or ten of alcohol."

Going to that party two years ago had really scarred me. And I don't think it scarred me because it was the same night my dad died. I think it was the the amount of laughter, joy and extreme happiness that created an everlasting crater in my soul. It would've been better if I had a shitty time at the party, because then it would've been punishment for leaving my dad in the hospital. But I didn't have a shitty time- I had a fùcking awesome time. It was one of the best nights of my life yet one of the worst and I still don't know if I truly regret it.

"I'll wear the costume," I finally agreed, nodding my head as if the gesture would solidify the words that escaped my lips.

"Really?" Mia's bloodshot eyes lifted, meeting my assuring gaze.

"Yea," I nodded. "I mean, I get to wear a cool hat and badge, so why not?"

Mia bursted into a fit of giggles and her happiness made me happy. I could see the excitement on her face and there was no way I could wipe it away from her. I stood up from the bed and trekked over to my older sister. I pulled her into a tight embrace, our chins resting on each other's shoulders.

"Love you," I told her.

"Love you too," she stated, and just like that, it seemed like everything was going to be okay again.

An hour and a half later and the both of us were taking mirror selfies for Mia's Instagram. Despite the lack of material covering our bodies, I had to admit that we didn't look too bad. I still would've preferred my Elsa dress and blonde wig, but this whole sexy-theme wasn't absolutely terrible. Besides, this was my first real party in two years and it was either go big or go home, because we all know I'd be back watching Netflix with a tub of ice cream in my lap the very next weekend.

When Mia and I arrived at at Mr. and Mrs. Leone's beach front mansion that Sean was house sitting while his parents were away on business, we were greeted with quite the sight. This wasn't some totally crazy Project-X shindig; this party had more control to it than I was expecting. Red Solo cups didn't litter the ground, but were conveniently thrown away in one of the several trash bins. Any lingering smell of marijuana, wasn't filtered inside, and was left out in the backyard where several games of beer pong were taking place. And while the walls were reverberating from the loud music and constant excited yelling, this college soiree was definitely two steps up from all the high-school ones I used to go to.

"Excuse me officer, wanna test your handcuffs on me?"

I knew that voice anywhere. I smiled to myself because I knew the guys would get a kick out of this. I slowly turned around with a smirk planted on my face and an eyebrow raised at none other than Calum Hood.

"How about I handcuff you to the bumper of my car and drive around the block a few times?" I sarcastically suggested, a snarky grin forming on my face. Calum's jaw dropped in realization of whom he just tried to hit on and the expression on his face was absolutely priceless. I couldn't help but to laugh at his expense as  both Ashton and Michael approached.

"Holy fùcking asscheeks!" Michael pointed at me, clearly shocked from the seductive drab I adorned for this Halloween evening.

"Do you like it?" Mia suddenly pipped up, now holding a red cup in her hand. "It was my idea. I decided that the two of us should wear matching outfits."

"I think you look stunning," Ashton complimented, his eyes hungrily trailing my sister. It was almost cute, but I knew he was undressing Mia with his mind and that weirded me out.

"Take your pictures, stare all you want because after tonight, I'm burning this costume... or donating it to the local strip club if I'm feeling charitable in the morning," I quipped.

"Fine by me," Calum uttered, a slight blush still on his cheeks. "Ari is one of the guys and even though you look like kinda hot, it freaks me out a little. No offense."

"Non taken," I chuckled. "Just get me a drink."

"Are you sure you should be drinking on the job officer?" Michael teased and I playfully smacked him in the arm. "Ow! I'm kidding dude."

My eyes drifted between Ashton, Calum and Michael and the matching green costumes fitted on their bodies. I smiled in approval because dressing up as The Ninja Turtles was an awesome idea on their part.

"I really like your costumes," I complimented.

"Thanks!" Ashton chirped enthusiastically. "It was Luke's idea!"

//

LUKE.

The moment I stepped foot into Sean's party, a wave of unwanted nostalgia hit me harder than puberty did. While I barely remembered any of what happened at Sean's last party except for taking way too many body shots, I couldn't be like Taylor and shake off that uneasy vibe this all too familiar setting was giving off. So I did what I would normally succumb to when I was feeling high-levels of stress: I drank.

I was already seven shots and five beers down when I decided to run to the backyard to grab another drink. After mixing unequal parts of vodka and soda, I trudged back into the house to be with the other lads. However, when I did, they weren't sitting on the couches where I last left them.

I pushed myself through the crowded house, taking a sip every few steps till I found the boys talking to some hot chick dressed in a typical sexy cop costume near the grand staircase. As I trekked closer and closer, did I find my eyes slowly widening and my breathing to become heavy. Either my vision was so blurry from the amount of alcohol in my system or I was tripping balls because that wasn't just any hot girl the guys were interacting with, that hot cop, was fùcking Ari.

"Hey he's back!" Michael whooped happily, giving me a pat on the back.

"Yes I am," I responded, forcing excitement.

I took a gulp from the cold liquid in my hand to distract me from staring at Ari but it was kinda difficult when she was standing there looking like the Goddess of Sensuality and holy shit is that a belly ring?

"I'll be back," Ari suddenly said, "gonna go grab myself a drink."

She gave the guys a small smile before turning around and started for the back door. As she walked away, some tipsy fùcker had his eyes on Ari, disgustingly licking his lips.

"Hey hottie," he slurred, giving Ari a head nod. She only gave a polite smile before quickening her pace away from the boy.

Suddenly, I didn't feel like drinking anymore. I looked down at the cup in my hand, filled to the top and I lost all appetite to down the liquid like I had originally planned.

"Something wrong with your drink buddy?" Calum asked, noticing my sudden keen obsession with my soda-vodka mixture.

"Nope," I shook my head, looking up at my fellow Ninja Turtle. "It's actually perfect. Do you want the rest? I think I'm gonna slow down."

"Slow down?" Calum repeated with curiosity and I nodded, shoving the cup into his hand. "That's different. The last time you were in this house, I saw you practically steal other people's drinks."

Michael chuckled, "yea, I remember that. I also remember thinking that you were in for one hell of a hangover."

My eyes snapped over to Michael with alarm. I narrowed in my brows and stared at him with wonder, "what did you say?"

"That you were in for one hell of a hangover. The amount of drinks you were downing, man! I just knew you were going to make bad decisions," Michael reminisced with a dazed smile.

I forced a light chortle in response as I dug my hands into my pocket. I pulled out my phone, swiping my finger across the screen and hitting the message app. I scrolled down the pile of text messages till I hit the one I was looking for. An unknown number, a slew of photos, and a message that I forgot about until this very moment.

If drunk words are sober thoughts, then you're in for one hell of a hangover.

I must've just been over thinking things because there was no way in hell that Michael could've sent me those threatening text messages. That was a common phrase; everyone said it, I'm sure of it. I mean yes, he does love Ari like Ashton and Calum do, but in a friendly way. Michael couldn't possibly actually love-love her enough to feel threatened by mine and Ari's friendship, could he?

I pushed the thought aside because I had bigger problems than thinking about a string of theories involving some mystery texter. Because when I looked up from my phone, placing it back into my pocket, Ari came walking back in holding a red cup. But she wasn't alone- fùcking Reese was with her too. I groaned, rolling my eyes the moment I saw stupid Resse's Pieces dressed up as a stupid not hot cop.

"Hey you guys are twinning," Ashton pointed out, just as Ari and Reese reentered our conversation circle.

"Well great minds do think alike," Reese grinned, satisfaction in his tone as he draped an arm around Ari. I think my eye was twitching from irritation and I'm pretty sure I looked like a dumbass silently glaring at Reese with a quivering eyelid.

"Beer pong sounds good right about now," Michael hinted with a hopeful smile.

"I'm down for that! Let's get into teams and the losing one buys pizza!" Calum encouraged. "Let's do couples versus sexy guys? Reese, Ashton, Mia and Ari on one team. Michael, Luke and I on the other."

The couples nodded their heads in agreement, Ashton wrapping an arm around Mia and pulling her closer. Reese did the same to Ari. Can I just barf into his pockets, please?

"Sounds good, we just need one more sexy guy," Michael stated, turning his head in all direction in search for one more so-called sexy guy.

"Two more," I interjected, holding up two fingers. "I'm not drinking, remember? Slowing down."

"It's cool. Just play anyway and the rest of the team will just drink for you," Calum negotiated and I reluctantly nodded. At least he wasn't being overbearing and pushy when it came to alcohol because with the popular crew, I could never reject a single drink.

"Whoa, it looks like trouble is here!"

We all turned our attentions away from each other to the new voice that echoed in our ears. In his tall, muscular, and rugged opulence, Sean Leone approached the group holding a plastic cup in one hand and in the other, he held the hand of an unhappy-looking Jasey Lopes. The couple were dressed in matching Greek God and Goddess garb.

"Perfect timing man," Calum noted, giving Sean a brotherly hug. "We need another sexy guy on our beer pong team. Want to play?"

Sean looked over at Jasey, as if asking for approval. She didn't look too pleased but when she reluctantly nodded her head, Sean took no time in placing a kiss on her cheek. Jasey instantly glowed from the gesture. They were almost too cute, I could've lick a doorknob.

"Then it's settled," Michael verified, clapping his hands together. "Let's go play!"

I followed everyone through the people-infested house and towards the extravagant backyard. I trailed behind Ari and Reese, shooting daggers his way. I cringed at the way he moved his arm down from her shoulder to her bare waist, where his fingers grazed her supple skin. Fùcking Ari just had to be a sexy ass cop. She could've just been a nun instead; nun's are cool. Hello, Sister Act?

Several lights lit up the large backyard where a patio and pool embellished the vicinity. Beyond that, several yards from a simple fence, was a private beach that overlooked the Pacific Ocean. A small dock accompanied the private beach with a decent sized sailboat floating on top of the water.

"Bring back any memories?"

Confused, I turned my head to meet eye to eye with Jasey. She gave a head nod towards the boat to which she was referring to.

"If you're talking about the last party here, I don't remember. That entire night was basically wiped away," I shrugged. I hated how everyone kept bringing up that night when I didn't remember shit. The only good thing that came out of it was meeting Ari and I screwed that up.

"Figures," Jasey smirked, taking a seat on one of the lawn chairs. She pulled out a clear container, TicTacs, from a small side pocket and popped one of the mints into her mouth before telling me, "you drank a lot that night," as the others surrounded one of the long, rectangular tables placed in preparation for beer pong.

"What exactly happened that night?" I queried, suddenly curious of the antics that compromised the dreadful night. "You didn't see anyone follow me did you?"

"Follow you?" Jasey was taken aback by my words, puzzlement dripping from her face.

"Yea, like when I left. Did you see anyone creep behind me?" I clarified.

"Nope. Not that I saw," she answered and I let out a disappointed sigh. "I was pretty drunk myself so I wasn't paying much attention to my surroundings."

"Did you happen to see what Mich-"

"Hemmings! Come on! Everything's set up!" Ashton called out, waving his arms for me to join the group.

"See ya around," I waved at Jasey, who waved back before pulling her phone out from her bra. I walked over to Calum, Michael and Sean, staring forward at the opposing team. Another influx of annoyance coursed through my veins like ice-cold liquid through a straw as Reese whispered something into Ari's ear, causing her let out that infectious giggle of hers.

Once Ashton threw that first white ping pong ball, the game ensued. And to be frank, it was actually fun; and it was more joyful because our team was winning. Reese and Mia were terrible but Ari was on fire; in more ways than one. She rarely missed a single shot and when she called island during the game, Ari triumphantly followed through. Even tipsy as fùck, the fun-sized, pretty girl I so dearly missed, was a natural at beer pong.

After a few games, everyone decided to take a break- mainly to mingle with other people and sip water from the amount of alcohol that was consumed. Mia and Ashton were cuddling in a corner; Sean and Jasey were discussing something that looked important; Michael and Calum found guitars from God knows where and were sitting around a makeshift bonfire serenading a group of girls with One Direction covers; and Reese was fortunately sitting alone drinking a bottle of beer with a pissed-off expression on his face- probably angry that our team had won.

Although I liked the idea that Reese was sitting alone, my mind wondered about Ari's whereabouts. Because I was actually sober, I was able to keep track of time and the girl was missing in action for over thirty minutes. So that's when I got up from the lawn chair I was sitting in and walked over to a large cooler where several water bottles in ice were. Grabbing one, I started my search for Ari. It didn't take long because when I couldn't find her in any of the bathrooms or bedrooms, there was only one place she could be. Ari wouldn't be in a crowded house whilst drunk. That's why when I found her lying in the middle of the front yard, I was relieved.

"Ari," I hovered above her sprawled out body, my feet on either sides of her waist. Even in the darkness, I could tell that her eyes were bloodshot, and I noticed a trail of tears dripping down her cheeks. "Hey what's wrong?"

"Nothing," she shrugged. She was clearly upset about something and my mind reverted back to a pissed-looking Reese.

"Is it douchepants Reese? Did he hurt you? I swear to God, I'll beat his fùcking ass if-"

"It wasn't Reese," she pipped up, and sniffled as a few more tears trickled from her eyes. I sighed, taking a seat in between her legs. My knees were bent upwards and my feet were still planted on both sides of her waist while I rested my arms on top of my knees.

"Tell me what's wrong babe," I softly advised. I waited for a response, gazing down at the girl below me with concern.

"My head really hurts," she told me with a pout and that's when I remembered the water bottle.

I brandished out my arms before her, "can you sit up baby girl?"

Ari nodded, grasping onto both my hands as I pulled her upwards. She sat in between my bent legs, looking up at me with a pout and although she was crying, damn did she look so fùcking cute. I grabbed the cold bottle of water, twisting open the cap and placing the opening on Ari's lip.

"Drink up," I said, tipping the bottle of water slightly so she could sip the water. After a couple of gulps, I placed the cap back onto the bottle.

"I wanna lie down," she groaned, falling backwards. However, before she could hit the soft grass again, I seized her arms and held her up.

"Oh no you don't. Not here,"

"I'm dizzy,"

"I know... Here, hold this," I pushed the bottle of water into Ari's hands and I stood up. I crouched down, placing an arm behind the back of her knees and the other one supporting her back. I lifted Ari off of the ground, cradling her in my arms and walking off of the Leone property.

"Where are we going?" she asked, resting her head on my shoulder.

"I'm taking you back to my house. You obviously need to sleep and everyone else is too drunk to drive," I explained. I was actually shocked that Ari wasn't belligerent. I knew she was still upset with me, but I guessed the alcohol softened up her emotions.

I kept the music low as I drove through the empty streets of Percival Shores. Every few seconds I'd glance over at Ari, whose eyes were screwed shut as her head rested against the glass window. I was so thankful that I had stopped drinking when I did. Parties, alcohol and me were the perfect combo; like cheese and crackers, Vegemite and toast. But seeing Reese and Ari made me feel disgusting. I didn't trust Reese one bit and there was no way I was going to let anything happen to Ari. Staying sober to watch over her was the best decision I've made since denying friendship with the popular crowd.

"We're here," I breathed, shutting off the engine of my car. I unbuckled my seatbelt in addition to Ari's before stepping out to retrieve a very sleepy, very drunk Ari.

I cradled her petite body in my arms again, holding her close to my chest as I entered the dark house. I slowly walked up the stairs, using the moonlight and outside street lamps streaming through the windows as a guide back to my bedroom. I sat Ari down on my bed, turning on the bedside lamp and I quickly dug my hands into the drawers of my dresser. Grabbing a shirt and a pair of boxers, I handed them over to Ari.

"You can wear these," I told her. "I'll go out so you can change. I'll be right in the hall if you need anything."

I walked out of my bedroom, shutting the door behind me. I rested my back against the opposing wall, waiting till Ari was done changing. Suddenly, I heard a muffled voice come from the other side of the door.

"Lucas?"

I stepped forward, turning the doorknob and peeking my head through the open crack. I stifled a laugh as my eyes landed on Ari who stood in the center of my room looking like a buffoon. Her head was stuck near one of the sleeves while one arm awkwardly was sticking out the other.

"Baby," I softly giggled, walking completely into the room and closing the door.

"I need help," she wined, a cute, childish desperation in her tone. "Change me."

"Here," I whispered, grabbing ahold of my shirt and pulling it off of her. I held it between my knees and I took a deep breath inwards. I grasped the zipper on the top she was still wearing and slowly zipped it downwards. I let out the breath I was holding in as the blouse opened up, revealing the black lacy bra beneath.

Holy fùcking shit.

It was very hard to keep cool and not stare. But I just had to remind myself that Ari needed to be comforted, not wooed. I grabbed the shirt from in between my knees, placing it on top of her head the correct way. Once her arms slipped through the sleeves, I subtly smiled, content with my work. Ari took the boxers off of the bed and held them up, gesturing for the shorts she was wearing and I knew what meant.

Holy fùcking shit.

I was hesitant. Ari was drunk and even though I had no intentions of sleeping with her tonight, I still didn't want to cross a line. I had already seen her topless, which I still wasn't sure was a good idea, but to see her bottomless too? Jesus.

"Please help me," Ari pouted, sensing my uneasiness.

I nodded, taking another deep breath inward as my arms snaked around her waist, grasping the back zipper of her shorts and pulling it downwards. My fingers clutched the hemline of the material where it clung to her thighs and proceeded to slowly bring the shorts down her legs. I let out the breath I was holding in again, as my eyes trailed over the black panties and garters that adorned her bottom half.

Lord help me.

Ari snapped open the small metal latches that held up her lacy, thigh high socks, taking off the garter getup and dropping them to the floor. Taking the boxers, I unfolded them and opened it up. I kneeled down on my knees, placing the opening near Ari's feet. She grasped onto my shoulders, using it as support as she stepped into the boxers one foot at a time. I slipped up the bottoms up to her hips, folding it a few times till it securely hugged her body.

I survived that hot shit. Whew.

I pulled the covers of my bed, gesturing for Ari to lie in between them. She did just that, getting into a comfortable position near the the wall. I slipped off my Ninja Turtle costume till I was only in my boxers. I grabbed a singlet from the drawer and slipped it on before lying down next to Ari. I turned off the side table lamp and pulled the covers up to our chests. I could hear Ari breathing heavily as I stared up at the ceiling, still wondering about why she was so upset earlier.

"Ari," I turned my head to look at her.

"Yea," she breathed, her back still towards me.

"Why were you crying earlier?" I asked. I honestly wasn't expecting to get an answer and I wasn't going to push it if I didn't. I was just curious. As I waited for a response, Ari turned back around to face me, scooting in closer.

"Because," Ari started, "I missed you." 

"You missed me?" I breathed, not expecting that answer at all and I wondered if it was just the alcohol doing the talking for her. "Are you sure you're not just saying that because you're drunk?"

Ari shook her head. The moonlight casted a bluish-silver tint to her face, and I could see fresh tears adorn her cheeks. I reached over, swiping my thumbs across her face to erase the beads. Ari let out a sigh, gazing up at me with so much honesty, vulnerability and rawness that I actually felt lightheaded with how deep I was falling into her gravity. Ari snuggled up next to me as I wrapped both my arms protectively around her. She sighed again, speaking one last string of words before succumbing into a deep slumber:

"Drunk words are sober thoughts."

//

An extra long update (5500+ words) because I'm still excited that this story hit 100K views! It's at 2K votes & also ranked #656 in fanfiction! Super happy and proud and ASJAIJJSHFEUSAWUWQ!! I barely can contain my excitement!!

Even though this chapter was super freaking long, I still hope you all enjoy it. It looks like things between Ari and Luke will get better but now there's still other issues. Like who the hell is texting Luke? And what the hell happened at Sean Leone's last party. If you don't remember from the very first chapter, Luke left the party early and the reason behind it is still unknown, even to him.

THANK YOU all for all your votes and your hilarious comments. You guys are so funny and I love reading all your theories too! Thank you all for reading my story and once again for helping me hit a Wattpad milestone! Love you guys!! <33