LUKE.

I wasn't suppose to come home. I was supposed to go through with the plan; I was supposed to stay missing for the sake of everyone in my life. I was a nuisance in the lives of the people I loved the most and it was killing me inside to know that. I was no longer wanted. The entire city of Percival Shores had dubbed me as a threat to society and it pained me knowing that it was the truth.

No one would miss me. No one would care if I suddenly jumped off the highest bridge or swallowed every pill in the house, washing it down with a bottle of whiskey. My mum's life would be better without me in it. I never should've been born because I was a walking reminder of the asshole my mother married and unfortunately loved at one terrible moment in her life.

Like father, like son.

A handful of shiny pebbles in my numb, cold hand, I started to throw them at the glass window on the second floor. My vision was blurred, my head spinning and I swore the window was moving from its placement directly above the garage. One by one, two by two, I tossed pebbles to grab the attention of the girl who was probably sleeping inside; the girl who I was terribly in love with but terribly needed to let go of.

When the glow of yellow light seeped through the windows and a silhouette emerged from behind the curtains, I felt my heart race. It thumped against my chest like a sucker punch to my rib cage. When the curtains were pushed to the side, and Ari's image materialized before me, my entire body shuddered and I had this insatiable need to jump into her arms. I couldn't see her face, see her reaction to discovering me standing on her driveway. While I couldn't physically see the expression on her face, I could feel it. I could feel something circulating all around me, like a pulsating orb barricading me inside of Ari's spectrum of emotions.

Suddenly, Ari disappeared, leaving only the sway of the curtains as the only evidence of her presence. I stepped forward, my eyes still locked on the window and my heart racing rapidly. She wanted nothing to do with me. I had ruined her heart, smashing it into tiny pieces and now Ari was broken too. I had stupidly hurt the girl I loved with all my heart, and I didn't even get to tell her that.

When I turned around to begin my trek back home in the frosty December air, I caught something in my line of vision. Standing in all her radiance, was Ari. She was beautiful beneath the moonlight; angelic in the way she stared at me, biting her bottom lip with a slight flare to her nostrils. I knew that expression: she was going to cry. I shook my head, hoping my action unaccompanied with vocals would tell her not to cry. I wasn't worth crying over-- but she did it anyway.

Like a surge of electricity igniting our souls and hearts alike, Ari ran forward, catapulting towards me like an astroid towards earth. Her long hair bounced behind her, tears trickling downward, and in one nimble movement, Ari flung her body straight into my outreached arms.

"Baby,"

"Lucas,"

Ari's arms clutched onto my neck, her legs wrapped around my waist as I clung onto her with such tightness that I could feel her own heart pound against my chest. Ari buried her face into my neck, crying softly as she continued to hold onto me.

"I'm sorry babe, I'm sorry," I cooed into her ear, stroking her back gently. Ari leaned back slightly to look at me with bloodshot eyes. I held her with one arm as I took the other to raise it towards her tear-streaked face. I cupped the side of her face, and grazed a thumb over the fresh tears.

"Don't ever leave me again," Ari whimpered. She punched my shoulder before professing, "I love you, you stupid boy."

"I love you more baby girl," I told her, easing my hand from her face to the back of her neck. I pulled her face closer to mine to rest my forehead against hers. "I'm sorry Ari. Seriously sorry. I am so in love with you and I need you so fùcking bad. Could you ever forgive me? Please, baby."

"On one condition," she spoke, taking a quick moment to leave a tiny peck on the side of my lips. I trailed my fingers softly from the back of her neck, down her spine to lace my fingers together, holding Ari with a more firm grip.

"Anything," I replied, nudging my nose against hers.

"Kiss me," she breathed against my lips and it was that tiny command that sparked it all.

I closed the small gap between us, bringing my lips against hers. Tender touches, lip to lip, and damn did I crave it so much. It felt so surreal, so good to finally be able to kiss Ari again and I knew she felt the same way. She kissed me harder, pulling me in closer. I could feel her bare skin break out into thousands of tiny goosebumps-- from the kiss or from the chilly air outside, I didn't know, but I loved the way her body reacted to things.

"You're freezing baby girl," I spoke against her lips. I took a moment to look down at the little clothing that adorned her petite body, noticing her adorable ninja turtle underwear.

"Let's go inside, and you can warm me up then," Ari whispered, dragging her nails across the sides of my neck with such tenderness that it sent me so close to the edge.

"I fúcking love you," I growled before leaving open mouthed kisses on her neck, causing my girl to giggle.

I smiled into her neck, loving the way she laughed. With Ari still in my arms and her bare legs wrapped around my waist, I carried her towards the front entrance of her house. I stared into her eyes as I stepped into the warmth of her home, shutting the door behind us with my foot.

"Let me set the alarm," she whispered and I nodded.

I walked backwards, pressing my back against the door as Ari reached behind me to tap her fingers across the electronic alarm system. With her neck so close to my face, I took no hesitation in peppering feather like kisses down her neck and onto her collar bone.

"Lucas," she giggled, as the alarm activated and a beeping filtered into my ears.

"I'm taking you upstairs," I told her.

"And what are you going to do when we're upstairs? All alone in the dark, with the door locked and closed?" Ari teased, smirking and raising a brow mischievously.

"God, what are you doing to me?" I shook my head, letting out a chuckle as leaned in for another deep kiss.

After separating, I carried Ari up the stairs. Walking down the familiar hallway to her room, I attempted to cherish everything about this moment. How supple Ari's skin felt against my hands, how she smelled like flowers and how every time a rubbed circles on her back with my thumb she seemed to shudder at my touch.

When we got to her room, closing the door, I threw Ari onto her bed. She was leaned back onto her elbows, biting her bottom lip as she waited for my next move. I stepped closer to her, but when I did, that's when I noticed the small wired trash bin by her bedside table. Inside, it was filled with used, crumpled tissues. Unless Ari had terrible sinuses while I was away, I could only deduce that the puffy cheeks, red eyes and empty boxes of tissue meant that my baby girl was doing more crying than I'd like.

"I wasn't sure if I could take another day without you," Ari suddenly pipped up. I shifted my gaze to look at her, and I knew she noticed where my eyes previously were.

"I'm sorry I left you so suddenly," I apologized, taking another step towards her. Ari sat up on her bed, holding out her arms towards me. I grabbed her little hands in mine, stepping in between her knees.

"Why'd you decide to come home?" She asked.

"Because... you are my home," I responded. I softly smiled at Ari who gazed back at me with a look of utter compassion. She pulled onto my hands, bringing my body down with hers. I hovered above her, holding up my weight with my elbows as she snaked her arms around my neck.

"And you are my home," she breathlessly confessed, tugging me closer. She kissed me. Gently at first, slow and passionate.

I kissed her back, with the same tenderness but when I slowly dragged my tongue across her bottom lip, her mouth parted willingly. I massaged the inside of her mouth with my tongue, deepening the kiss, and trying to savor every little taste of my girl. Heavy and warm breaths surrounded our faces as the two of us quickly warmed up. Ari's legs wrapped around my hips tightly, and the pressure had me grinding against her.

"Babe," I spoke against her lips.

"I love you," she whispered, biting onto my bottom lip and tugging at the hem of my jacket.

I understood her memo, sitting up on her lap to take off my jacket, pulling off my shirt along with it. I swallowed, looking down at Ari with slight nervousness. Her skin resembled porcelain as it glimmered in the silvery moonlight that seeped in through the cracks of the window. I could see it in Ari's eyes what she wanted. I could feel it from the goosebumps on her skin as I trailed my fingers softly across her arms. What she wanted was solidified when she vocally confirmed my theory.

"I need you babe. I love you Luke," she told me, her voice cracking.

I noticed droplets trickle from the sides of her eyes and like reflex, I leaned forward back onto my forearms. I hovered above her, my face only inches from hers and with care, I kissed her cheek.

"Baby girl, you need to stop crying over me," I advised. "I'm not worthy of your tears."

"I can't help it," she croaked, bringing her hands to her face to wipe the tears from her eyes. "I love you so much that it literally hurts. But I'd suffer every day just so you'd know that I am truly, madly, most definitely in love with you. And I want you Luke, to have all of me. I'm ready."

I wished she didn't tell me that. I wished she didn't love me so much, because letting her go again was going to be that much harder. Ari shouldn't love me. Her love was the greatest thing this Earth had and it should've be given to someone more deserving. But there was no denying that I was inspired by the fact that she had shared much of her love with me-- the least deserving person of all.

I exhaled, sitting up and getting off of Ari. She gazed at me with wonder as I brandished my arm out towards her. She grasped my hand and I helped her upright. I stood in between her knees, hooking a finger beneath her chin to lift it up. Leaning down, I kissed her quickly and tenderly.

"You'll always be my baby girl," I promised, resting my forehead against Ari's. Our lips were separated yet slightly agape and each word that slipped from my mouth, her top lip would graze in between mine. "You're my first and last love; I'll ride or die for you for the rest of my life, but we're not doing this tonight. You're going to save yourself for a while. Okay, babe?"

"Kay babe," Ari agreed and I subtly smiled before placing a quick peck on her lips. Not once, not twice, but three times. Three little kisses for three little words.

"Let's go to bed," I told her, standing up straighter. Ari nodded her head before slipping in between the blankets while I unbuttoned my pants. I slipped off the tight material, throwing it off to the side and crawling into the bed next to my girl. I laid my head against the fluffy pillow while Ari rested her head against my bare chest. Wrapping my arms tightly around her, I exhaled and stared at the ceiling.

We didn't speak after getting into that comfortable position. It was silent but it was perfect. Every so often I'd squeeze her tighter and she'd respond by placing a kiss on my chest. Soon enough our embrace was enough to protect us from any more nightmares and deep slumber happily took over.

//

ARI.

I didn't have a nightmare. My sleep was beautiful, and the rest that my body so desperately needed before going into complete shock was finally granted to me. Sleeping in Luke's arms was what I needed. I felt happy, warm and protected from the harshness of the real world. All I wanted was Luke to come home and he had. I couldn't stay upset with him, not when he was standing right in front of me to hold. So instead of lecturing him or slapping him across the face, I embraced him with all the love I had inside of me.

When I woke up that morning I felt cold air tickle my skin. I had expected Luke to be next to me, keeping my body warm but when my eyes fluttered open, he unfortunately wasn't there. With a frown on my face, I sat up in my bed, shivering from the lack of body heat I went to bed with. Maybe Luke coming home was just a dream? But it couldn't be. It felt so real-- skin to skin. I really hoped Luke hadn't left me again and my heart sank the more I thought about it.

So I slipped out of my bed, walking to the drawers to grab a pair of sweat pants and a sweater. After my body was reasonably warm, I opened my door, hoping to go downstairs to find Luke helping himself to cereal or a bag of chips. When I stepped a foot out my door however, I didn't land on the soft carpet like I expected to. Instead, my foot was resting on a large, rectangular box.

"The hell?" I whispered to myself, bending down to pick up the cardboard contraption. I took it to my bed where I lifted the lid. The first thing that caught my eye, lying in the center of a pile of white tissue paper was a pink envelop. Picking it up and turning it over, I opened up the envelope and pulled out the card stock inside.

Baby girl,

Will you do me the greatest honor of joining me for dinner tonight? I will pick you up at 6PM. I love you, beautiful.

Luke.

I couldn't help but to grin at Luke's gesture. He was so cute, cheesy and absolutely Tumblr. God, I was falling deeper into his gravity but I refused stop.

I placed the invitation off to the side to unravel the tissue paper and reveal what was beneath it. I gasped in amazement when I saw what was neatly placed inside. I grabbed the cream colored lace that caught my eyes, pulling out the beautiful dress and holding it up against my body.

Looking into the mirror, the long-sleeved dress fell at my thighs and the back was cut low in the shape of a V. The bottom half of the dress cinched at my waist, flowing nicely and made of a few layers of floral-printed chiffon. It was perfect, and I couldn't wait to wear it to dinner. As I continued to gush over the cuteness of the package, I heard a knock on the open door.

"Hey, I see you've gotten your surprise," Ashton was leaning with his shoulder against the door and a cup of coffee in his hand.

"Luke," I simply stated with a cheerful grin on my face.

"I haven't seen you smile that big in such a long time," Ashton noted, taking a sip of his coffee. "I saw him this morning as he was walking out the front door. Something's off about him."

"Yea, he's being kinda cute," I joked happily, gesturing for the white box on my bed.

"Seriously dude," Ashton was in a serious mood, which threw me off because I honestly thought he'd be thrilled.

"Ash," I sighed, plopping onto the bed, "what are you trying to say?"

"I don't know to be honest," he shrugged. "But I got this weird vibe from him this morning. I don't know; I'm probably just paranoid. Forget I even said anything."

"I'll forget we even had this conversation, if you get me a cup of coffee?" I negotiated. I was glad that Ashton dropped the subject. I didn't want to discuss anything enigmatic or off putting about the boy I loved. I just wanted something simple in my life for once. And coffee was one of those little joys that I missed about the life I used to have.

"Deal," Ashton shot me a dimpled grin before walking away. However, before turning completely around, he looked over his shoulder to give me a greeting I forgot all about, "oh and, Happy Christmas Eve."

"Happy Christmas Eve to you too," I smiled, watching Ashton disappear around the corner of the hallway.

The rest of my day went by as chipper as I should've been the start of my holidays. With Luke back and our dinner tonight, I was finally feeling the Christmas spirit. Sure our tree wasn't up and there weren't any holiday goods baking in the oven, but the happiness in my body was enough compensation for the lack of red and green in my life.

Through out the day I found myself blasting music again, singing at the top of my lungs while I cleaned the house. I was dancing while I prepared a bowl of soup for lunch and had enough of an appetite to go for seconds and thirds. It was as if life was falling back into place and Luke coming home was the start of it.

After an entire day of cleaning and staying active despite the last several days of moping around, it was finally time to pamper myself for my dinner with Luke. I took a bubble bath instead of a quick shower, I pulled out my favorite perfume as oppose to an inexpensive body spray and even took the extra time to fix my hair. I did my makeup to the best of my abilities, watching several Zoella videos to gain inspiration, before putting on the dress Luke got me. It fit me nicely and as I observed myself in the mirror, I smiled. Not out of pure vanity, but for the fact that I was happy.

It was five minutes to 6PM when I was downstairs in the foyer slipping on a pair of brown ankle booties with a chunky heel. Both Ashton and Calum tied the laces on the heel before helping me slip into a black pea coat. The two of them acted like two gay dads while my mother was still confined to a hospital bed.

"Be home by midnight," Calum commanded, pointing a finger at me.

"And no frickle frackle!" Ashton dictated, shooting me a stern look. "If that boy tries to take advantage of you, I fùcking swear I'm gon--"

"Guys!" I interrupted, holding my hands up in defense, "I promise to be home by midnight and I promise to keep my v-card locked away tonight, okay? I just want some wholesome fun. I think I deserve at least that."

"Come here sweetheart," Calum sighed, opening up his arms as the parental scowl etched on his face faded away.

I grinned, leaping into Calum's arms and hugging him tightly. Ashton joined in, hugging me from behind and wrapping his long arms across mine and Calum's body. It was a Cashton sandwich on this Christmas Eve night and it felt absolutely perfect. Luke was home, I still had my two best friends, and even though Michael was lost somewhere in a wayside with Reese, I can at least have the satisfaction of knowing that he still cared about me-- that kiss told me enough.

"I love you two so much. 8 years of friendship and we're still going strong," I gushed into Calum's warm chest.

"Stronger than ever," Ashton quipped happily and I could feel his chest vibrate against my back as he fell into a slew of giggles.

"Besties for the resties," Calum promised and despite the child-like phrase, it was that little statement that meant the world to me.

During our friendly embrace, the doorbell rang and the three of us jumped into separation. I took a deep breath inward and then outward, suddenly feeling the nerves kick in. It was weird to me, as Luke and I always hung out in the past. But this particular night wasn't just movies and Hot Cheetos, this was something much more than that.

"Nice to see you again buddy," Calum whooped the moment he opened the door to find Luke standing before it. The two shared a brotherly hug complete with hearty pats on the back before Luke and Ashton embraced too.

I stood behind the three guys as they delved into small talk and I smiled at the sight. This was something I truly missed. It was simple, but with every complex thing that has happened in the last few months, simplicity was the best thing my life needed.

"Hi Ari," Luke walked up to me with a cutesy, tight-lipped smile. He gave me a shy wave which made my inside turn to goo.

"Hey Luke," I smiled back. "Ready to go?"

"As ready as I'll ever be babe," Luke held out his hand for me to take, and with a grin I took it, lacing our fingers together.

"Behave you two," Calum was back into his motherly disposition.

"I'm watching you Lucas," Ashton scowled at the boy intently and I felt Luke shiver in my hand.

"Calm down, dads," I rolled my eyes, tugging into Luke's hand and opening the front door. Once the two of us were outside on the driveway, slipping into Luke's car, did I finally feel less nervous.

"You look stunning baby," Luke complimented as he stuck the key into the ignition.

"Thanks," I smiled, "you look handsome too. Bow ties are a good look for you."

Luke had traded in his normal band shirt for a black button up long sleeve tucked into a pair of black skinny jeans. It was completed with a red bow tie that made my knees weak. Luke was the adorkable love of my life-- hands down.

"So what did your mom say when you got home?" I asked, glancing over at Luke.

"She didn't say anything," he began, taking a quick moment to look at me as he made a left turn. "She just cried... a lot."

"She loves you so much Luke," I reminded him. "When you were gone, she couldn't really function. She cancelled all her midterm exams; she couldn't really teach. She was lost without you. That's why you can't leave again."

Luke never responded to my statement. I didn't expect him to. It was something so deep and I wasn't even sure that he was ready to discuss anything. He'll talk when he's ready, but for now I just wanted him to be happy.

"So what are we doing tonight?" I asked him.

"You'll see," Luke smirked and I scoffed. "Don't give me attitude missy. You'll like it, I promise."

"Whatever you say weirdo," I reached over to give him a playful punch in the shoulder just like old times.

"So I watched Pretty Little Liars," Luke mentioned. My eyes widened and I coughed, choking on my own spit.

"You did?!" I excitedly shrieked.

"Yea, while I was away, and honestly, it's alright. It's tolerable. I only finished the episode because the chick who plays Mona is hot," Luke explained. I rolled my eyes and shook my head at his typical-guy answer. "What?! I saw nothing substantial and thought-provoking about the show."

"Whatever," I chuckled. "But you owe me Italian ice from Rita's for insulting my favorite show."

"It's the middle of December and you want Italian ice?!" Luke protested. "You're a crazy bitch."

There was silence in the car. Nothing uttered between the two of us as I mulled over Luke's previous statement, the snark from his tone still mingling in the air. I slowly turned my head to face the blonde haired, quiff boy with an unamused expression on my face. Luke however, continued to keep his eyes glued to the road with an unfazed look.

"Crazy bitch, huh?" I smacked my lips together which ultimately caused Luke to burst out into a fit of giggles.

"I knew I'd get a reaction out of you," he chuckled. I crossed my arms in a huff, sitting back in my seat. Luke reached over to squeeze my bare thigh, "sorry. I just had to... just like old times."

Of course I couldn't stay mad at him. I missed him too much to do so and his laughter only made me want to laugh too. And I did. Clutching onto my stomach, trying to catch my breath and my sides stinging from the amount of joy jam packed into Luke's car.

We continued to drive for another 10 minutes before the car slowed down and pulled into an all too familiar parking lot. I looked out the window to face the large building that loomed before us, cocking my head to the side in confusion.

"Luke, what are we doing at the hospital?"

"This is where we are having our dinner date," he declared, pulling into an empty stall and putting the car in park.

"Is the hospital cafeteria your idea of romantic?" I nervously chuckled just as the engine died down. Luke turned to face me, grabbing my hands in his and softly kissing both sets of knuckles.

"No baby," he laughed. "It's Christmas Eve and I don't think you should be spending it with me. You should be with your family; with Mia and your mum. But seeing as I'm only a little selfish," he paused, allowing me to laugh, "I'm willing to share you. So in lieu of the holiday season, I've spent all day cooking food for tonight."

"You? Cooking?" I gasped in amazement. "The only thing you know how to cook is cereal and your damn Vegemite toasties... but even that's pushing it."

"Okay okay. I had help from my mum," he admitted. "Who should actually be up in your mum's hospital room right now to join us."

Was I seriously crying again? This boy had me so emotional that I forgot what it felt like to be tough and in control. But at least this time the tears weren't laced with sadness and despair. They were filled with millions of tiny blessings all adding up to Luke Hemmings.

"God, I love you so fùcking much," with no hesitation, I reached over to grab Luke's face, planting a deep kiss on his pink lips. Feeling the cool metal of his lip ring tickle my skin, I smiled at the sensation.

"Shall we?" Luke separated from the kiss slightly, only to go back in for a quick peck.

"We shall," I smiled, kissing him one last time.

The two of us stepped out if the car and began our trek up to the main lobby. Luke held my hand in his, swinging it like those cheesy couples but I loved it. Normally going to visit my mom was nerve wracking, anxiety driven and I didn't like it. But with Luke by my side, I felt more at ease. As we inched closer and I closer to the hospital room I knew so well, I squeezed onto Luke's hand and he squeezed mine in response.

"Knock Knock?!" Luke said as we walked into the hospital room.

My mom was lying on the bed, less tubes connected to her this time around. She looked less tired and seemed to have taken in more color. Mia sat on a chair next to our mother with a smile on her face as she chatted away with Mrs. Hemmings. At the end of the bed was a small table draped with a red cover. On top were several glass containers each holding a different dish. Luke had truly out done himself.

"Mom," I smiled, walking right up to her side to lean down and kiss her cheek.

"How are you?" Mom asked.

"A lot better," I glanced at Luke who had an arm draped around his own mother, "so much better."

"Finally you're here! I'm hungry and all that food the Hemmings made is making my mouth water," Mia expressed, causing us all to laugh with her.

"Let's eat this Christmas Eve feast, then!" I clapped my hands together, prompting Luke to grab the paper plates and utensils. He passed them around the room as I stood by the table to help serve the food.

I took a step back to take in the scene before me. It was humbling, tranquil and wonderful all at the same time. This whole time I wanted Luke to come home, not realizing that I too was due home. It had been a rough few weeks, brimming with more tears to start a whole new ocean. But being in the presence of both my family and the Hemmings, I realized that Luke wasn't the only one who came home.

I did too.

//

YAY! Luke is back home and just in time for Christmas! I was having major feels the entire time I was writing this chapter! I REALLY hope you all liked it! It's super long but I had a lot planned for this chapter.

THANK YOU so much for getting this story so close to 500K reads! Like holy shit that's amazing!!! THANK YOU for all the comments and votes too! I hope you all continue to vote for this story and comment as well!!

WE ARE currently on chapter 41 and if you forgot, I mentioned that I've planned out about 52 chapters with an epilogue. With that being said, I will for sure have a Character Ask right before the Epilogue is posted so you guys can ask whatever you like.

LOVE YOU ALL!!! ❤️