The rest of the day and night had gone by smoothly and without a hitch. You and Tom spent the time watching movies and TV, joking around and just enjoying each other's company. Part of you did find yourself a little worried about what would happen when you left and the next day would come. Tom's being sweet now and he seems to have a genuine interest in you but after a night alone will that wear off? But, that thought always fades away when he smiles at you because he can't just look at you like that and then want nothing to do with you, no matter how hard he tries.

As for Tom, he knows he'd be waking up the next morning and he'd regret letting you in but he pushed it away because he knows that he'd see you the next day and your bright smile and innocent eyes would flood the regret away. Sure, he's going to be fucking scared out of his mind and every second he's not with you, he'll want to run and find a way to get rid of the goosebumps that form when he thinks about your touch. But, he won't. His fear of getting hurt doesn't top the fear of hurting you.

So, when the next day came around, it was no surprise Tom was a little warier around you but you kept your kind smiles and left it at that. You didn't mention the events of the night or day prior. You left them where they should stay because those moments together were moments of Tom's vulnerability. How he acts now, after the fact, will determine where you both stand. You only want him to at least keep up your friendship, going to the gym everyday with friendly banter and cheeky smiles. And lucky for you, that's what Tom really wants, too.

However, instead of the gym, you always ended up at Tom's turning on a movie and talking. With Tom's side, he wasn't too keen on going to the gym and you were more than okay with that because you just want him to heal and feel better. So, movie nights after work with a pizza and popcorn as a snack becomes your new normal for the next five days.

At first, you always started off on opposite sides of the couch, sharing the grey blanket but as the few days went by, you found yourselves growing closer until you were back to holding hands and you leaning your head on his shoulder. Sure, it seemed you had taken ten steps forward but nine steps back but that was okay because neither of you wanted to express anything in a time of vulnerability and fear. That would lead to a disaster and Tom already promised himself that this would be different. He'd go slow. Slow meant taking five days to cuddle into each other which, to his surprise, felt amazing and relieving, comforting even.

Now, it's the day before the end of the bet and Tom's arm is around you, your head on his chest while you play with his fingers of his opposite hand. They're calloused but warm and soft, strong and thin. His knuckles are cracked and chapped, the red standing out against the paleness of his skin.

"Tom?" You ask and a rumble goes through his chest with a hum. "You busy tomorrow?"

"Nah," Tom says, looking down at you. "Harrison's got work and after, I guess he's goin' out with the girl from the coffee place." Tom moves his stare back to the TV, Lost playing on the TV this time, a show Tom had convinced you to watch with him.

"My mom flew in today." You say, waiting for Tom to respond.

"Yeah? Where from?" He asks, realizing you haven't told him much about anything about your mom.

"Oregon." You say simply. "My dad's birthday is tomorrow."

"Oh?" Tom says, his hand on your shoulder, rubbing slow and soft circles as he looks back to you.

"Yeah, that's why the shop is closed tomorrow, there's a party. He's turning sixty, ya know? So, my mom is having a party at the house and there's gonna be family and family friends and stuff."

"That so?" Tom says, a feeling in his stomach as to what you're hinting at.

"Yeah," You look up at him. "Uh, do...do you maybe wanna come? My dad said you could..."

Tom's brows furrow in confusion. He jerks his shoulder, hinting for you to lean up. You move up and face him, ready to retract your question but Tom starts first as he sits up.

"Thought your dad hated me?"

"He does." You chuckle, running a hand through your hair. "But," You shrug a shoulder. "I don't know, he said I could bring you if I wanted."

"And...ya want me to come?"

"Yeah..." Your cheeks burn red. "I just...I don't know. You don't have to or anything but if you don't have anything to do, maybe it'd be fun. There'll be a lot of food and your face looks better and...you could meet my mom."

Tom's hand grow a little clammy with the thought of meeting your mom, or even anyone in relation to you. "Think she'll like me?"

"Uh, I don't know. She'll love you or hate you."

"Reassuring, darling." Tom scoffs but there's a smile tugging at his lips.

You bite your lip, not wanting to ask if that was a yes or no. No one ever really meets your family but you spend all of your time with Tom and when you told your mom about him, she expressed how badly she wnts to meet him while she's in town. Tom can see the anxiety running across your face. He puts his hands on either side of him and sits all the way up before grabbing your arms and pulling you to sit on his lap.

"I'll go." He says once you're seated, straddling him.

"You will?" Your face lights up with the question.

"Not like I've anything else to do." Tom squints an eye and rubs his thumbs against your hips. "But," He licks his lips and you quirk a brow. "Can you tell me 'bout your mum? Don't talk much about her, curious what I should expect."

"Oh? Do you care about what she thinks about you?" You challenge.

"Maybe." Tom answers proudly.

"Why?" You press but a smirk rests against your lips.

In the five days you've been hanging out, it's become more and more obvious that you don't care about the rules of the bet anymore. You never told Tom but you're affectionate, more than you ever should have been if the rules were still in play. You never do anything besides cuddle and hold hands, not even a comfort kiss on the top of the head or the forehead. It's all completely platonic but you have your suspicions, your hopes, that Tom likes you. Just, likes you. You like him and all you need is for him to tell you, you're not getting your hopes up.

Tom shakes his head, not feeding into the game. "Just because, gotta be prepared."

You laugh and nod. "Okay, Holland, make you a deal."

"What's that?" Tom asks, his eyes wide and his words full of fake curiosity.

"I'll tell you about my mom if you tell me about yours."

Tom squeezes your hips and the playful smile falls into one of adornment. "Alright, ya, you first though."

You lick your lips, soft smile not even daring to move. "She lives in Oregon. She works with Bengel tigers, trying to keep them from going extinct and there's this program in Oregon so when she got the offer, she took it. I was about eighteen when she moved, it was right after graduation."

Tom's face contorts into all sorts of confusion, as if trying to remember back to elementary school life science. "Tigers, don't they live in Africa or some shit?"

"Asia!" You defend and Tom throws his head back in laughter.

"My bad! I'm not a zoologist!"

"Lions live in Africa, Tom."

"Okay, but last I checked, Oregon isn't in Asia or Africa."

"Shut up." You groan and rest your forehead on his chest.

"Sorry," Tom chuckles, "Go on."

You lean up and shake your head. "There are ten program locations for this specific project to try and keep them from going extinct. One in Portland, one in Melbourne, one in London, another in Ottawa, and then the rest are in places like Bangladesh and Nepal."

Tom nods, all jokes aside, intrigued to hear more about your mom's work and the animals. Part of him is convinced this is probably why you're as kind as you are. Animals. Your mom moving just to try and keep them from going extinct. Surely, that has to have something to do with it.

"So, she kind of hangs out with tigers all day and works in a lab. It's really cool and she tells me about all the time."

"It sounds cool." Tom says, hoping you continue.

"Yeah, I got to go once and meet some cubs and it was the coolest thing."

Your face is split by the biggest smile and Tom has to return it. Tom's eyes exam every line your face as you continue to tell him about the research your mom's told you about and the time you got to see the cubs. Tom hangs onto every single word as if it were the most interesting thing he'd ever heard in his entire life. Your face is bright and your hands move to express your excitement, making Tom give light chuckles.

"Close with your mum then, ya?"

"Yeah," You say with a soft shrug. "Kind of tell her everything."

"Everything?" Tom raises a brow, a string of anxiety hitting him at the thought that maybe, just maybe, you've mentioned him.

"Mhm." Your face turns bright red. "Kind of told her about you..." You mumble as you bite your lip.

"And what'd you tell her? I'm just fuckboy you made a bet with? And I'm arognatn and narcassistic, not a very good person." Tom quips, laughter escaping his chapped lips.

"Yes." You smirk and Tom's grip on your hips tightens as he shakes you, signaling it wasn't funny despite the smile across his face. "Of course, not." You shake your head, your hands going to Tom's sides, gripping his shirt. "I just said you're a new friend and my neighbor and a co-worker."

"That all?" Tom asks.

"Maybe." You giggle. "But I'm not gonna tell you." Your eyes widen teasingly.

"C'mon, ya can't leave me hanging, darling." Tom pouts but you shake your head.

"Nope. Stays between my mom and I."

"Come onnnn." Tom whines, his hands creeping up youur sides.

"Don't you dare!" You warn as his hands stop on your sides.

"What?" Tom plays an innocent act. "I just wanna know what else you've said."

"You're gonna tickle me, you butthead."

Tom's eyes roll as he laughs. "You've got to come up with better insults."

"My insults are fine." You stick your tongue out but is quick to let out a yell when Tom squeezes your sides.

You laugh with the jump, your hands gripping Tom's wrists while he laughs at your reaction.

"Wanna tell me?" He asks, smirk bright and wide.

"No!" You yell. "Now you don't get-"

Tom cuts you off, squeezing your sides again but this time not stopping. You squirm against him, your chest hitting his and then backing away, trying to get away. Your breath becomes heavy with all the laughing and Tom doesn't let up, he just mocks you, telling you all you have to do is tell him what you've said about him. But, you aren't going to cave. You falls backward, Tom following your fall and one of his hands catches himself, landing to one side of your head, the other still on your side while he hovers over you. His movements slow and your laugh subsides as your cheeks ache.

Your legs are on either side of him and his eyes are locked with yours. Silence consumes you while your hands slowly grab the fabric of Tom's loose t-shirt at his sides. Your heart is beating faster than it has in forever and Tom can't breathe. It was all just fun and laughter but he's leaning over you and your breath is just fanning his face and your eyes are so bright and beautiful. You want him to meet your mom the next day and the way you're watching him, hope in your eyes, it's sending chills down Tom's spine and he's scared that if he doesn't make a move, he won't get the chance again.

The hand on your side comes to cup the side of your face, his thumb lightly rubbing your cheek. Your hands go to Tom's hips, careful not to slide your hands under his shirt. Tom licks his lips as his eyes move between yours and your lips. For the first time, he's questioning if he should ask and if he does and you say no, then what? It'd be embarrassing but then what if you say yes and his lips are too chapped and it's horrible. But, then, what if he shouldn't ask and just do it? Tom's never thought this hard about a kiss before so he takes his chances.

"Is, uh," Tom's breath catches in his throat as his elbow bends, allowing him to get just a little closer to your face. "Hey." Tom whispers, his breath fanning over your face.

"Hey..." You whisper, your grip tightening, waiting and hoping, terrified to make the move.

Tom's nose brushes against yours, you just barely moving your nose against his, your lips brushing together with the movement. There's so much hesitance that neither of you can breathe. Tom moves just a little more, his lips brushing against yours just a little more, testing to see if you would pull away, but you don't. His eyes dart up to yours before going back to your lips. With one last brush of Tom's thumb across your cheek, his lips press softly against yours.

It's just soft but both of your chests heave with every passing second until Tom pulls away. His cheeks are bright red and there's fear in his eyes mixed with complete and utter adornment and the smallest touch of lust.

"That alright?" Tom whispers, his voice barely holding still.

"Yeah," You whisper back.

Tom's forehead rests against yours for a few seconds, his eyes closed and yours follow suit, the two of you staying like that, to sit int he moment, scared to move or breathe wrong because you're both afraid the other will evaporate, that's it not real and too good to be true. But, you both open your eyes and you're still there and it's perfect.

Your hands come up to Tom's cheeks while Tom collides his lips with yours, this time harder, needier. Your mouths move in sync, not skipping a beat and Tom's tongue traces your bottom lip, asking for permission and it's the best kiss Tom's ever had, your tongue moving with his and his eyes are closed but stars fill the darkness and you're so fucking perfect.

You taste like July. Strawberry mixed with the touch of wild berry like a Bomb Pop. And you're warm and happy. The kiss is light-hearted and easy, like the middle of July, knowing there's no school for another month and school's already been out a month. It's the middle of July and everything is warm and happy, bonfires with best friends. Rooftop conversation and stargazing in the back of the truck with the tailgate down. Laughter with the people you care the most about and the idea that this is going to last forever even though July eventually ends, fall will be around the corner. July because he's home for the summer and everyone he loves is there or there's so much traveling but no matter where he goes, he's with the people he loves. So it's always feeling like home. You taste just like July and if July could last a lifetime, Tom would never pull away.

You aren't even focused on breathing, just focused on keeping up with Tom, pulling him as close to you possible, careful not to break contact. You've been dying to kiss him for a week and you're finally doing it and it's everything you never expected because it's so needy and soft, filled with the fear that it'll stop but you have no intentions on stopping anytime soon because you're ready to go on that bender in the middle of winter.

He tastes like winter. Minty and cinnamon like cinnamon rolls after the first snowfall of the new winter and candy canes hanging from Christmas trees and garlins. It's spicey and tingles your lips in a way that makes you fall endlessly addicted. It's winter where you expect ice but it's warm like walking into a house with a roaring fire in the fireplace. And the coldest nights buddles up with someone you love with your favorite TV show or movie on. It's the sense of comfort that lays behind closed doors and walls while white flurries cover the ground. The sense of home and family all gathered and that one Christmas song you actually love more than anything. This boy is like winter and you never thought you'd ever say you love winter so much.

Tom pulls away, lips swollen and glistening. "Hey." He chuckles.

"Hey." You giggle, your thumb moving down his lips.

"Quite good at that." Tom says.

"You, too." You say, trying to catch your breath.

Tom rests his forehead against yours and your eyes flutter closed. You question if you could lay like this forever? Him above you with his forehead pressed against yours. It's so safe here and warm. Tom is so safe and comfortable and warm. Nothing could happen if you're with him and you just want to say this. You repeat it in your head like a mantra, pleading to the universe to keep you this way. Just like this. Promising you'd do anything if this doesn't stop.

A soft kiss to the tip of your nose brings you back and your eyes open, meeting Tom's. "What're you thinkin' bout there?" Tom asks.

"You." You say and your heart is in your ears but you don't care, it can beat as fast as it wants. It could beat right out of your chest at this point and it'd be okay.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah." You nod softly.

"What about me?" Tom asks but the question is so innocent that all you can do is turn your head and kiss his arm that's beside your head.

"Just you."

Tom sucks in a breath, your words giving him the courage to ask. "Is it okay if I like you?" Tom asks slowly and his head is slightly cocked to the left, his brows just pinched together.

"Is it okay if I like you, too?" You ask in the same scared and hesitant tone.

Tom's eyes look from your eyes to your lips and back up. "Please." Tom whispers and it's a plea as he kisses your cheek, before his head rests in the crook of her neck.

"I like you so much it's driving me insane." You kiss his cheek and Tom's head shoots up.

"Thank fuck." He says with relief, kissing you once more and the taste of summer consumes his senses all over again.

Your mouths start moving in sync again, Tom's arm that's holding him up starts to shake from the position but he makes no effort to move. His sole focus is you and the moment. Everything feels like it's on fire in the best way and his mouth is already sore, his cheeks ache and his breathing is labored.

Tom pulls away and you slide your hands back to Tom's sides, mindful of the side that's still injured. "Mouth is fuckin' sore." Tom mumbles, going right back to kissing you.

"Mine, too." You mutter into his mouth, no effort on pulling away.

"Should we stop?" He asks, barely stopping to ask the question before continuing.

"Probably." You answer but don't pull away, which makes Tom start laughing, still trying to keep up with kissing.

"Making it hard to stop." Tom teases.

"Yeah?" You whisper, sliding your hands under Tom's shirt.

Tom shoots up and moves your hands. "Why are your hands so fuckin' cold?" His eyes are wide as he's straddling you while you can't control your laughter.

"Because it's winter!"

"I'm gettin' you those hand warmer things." Tom mocks, grabbing your hands and cupping them in his before bringing them to his mouth, blowing hot air to try and warm them.

"You're a dork." You giggle.

"But you like me." Tom wiggles his brows and a cocky grin comes onto his face.

"I'll push you to the floor, Tommy."

Tom's raises his brows quickly with the nickname he hasn't heard from your mouth in almost a week.

Say it again.

"I'll take you with me."

"That so?" You pull your hands from Tom and pushes him off you and sure enough, Tom's quick to grab you and you both fall to the floor in a thump, you landing on top Tom.

"Ow." He groans.

"I don't know what else I expected." You laugh, this time you kiss Tom first but pull his bottom lip between your teeth as you pull away, gaining you a whimper from Tom.

"You're not funny." Tom narrows his eyes.

"I think so." You grin wildly, sitting up and straddling him once more. "Should I get you a light again?"

"God." Tom groans before laughing. "Let the joke die."

"Make me." You stick your tongue out and Tom shakes his head before quickly poking your sides, tickling you again. "Okay, dead. It's dead." You say quickly.

"What I thought, smartass." Tom quips before the room falls silent again.

Your hands rest on Tom's firm chest while you look around his living room, the few framed pictures hanging on the walls holding your attention and begging you to ask about his family. That was the deal anyway.

"So, about your mom?" You ask, hope back in your eyes.

Tom nods once, his hands going to your hips so he could sit up. "What do'ya wanna know?"

"I don't know." You shrug. "Just about her, I guess. Or any of your family really. You don't talk about them much."

"Yeah," Tom pushes a strand of hair behind your ear. "I, uh," His brows furrow as he takes a deep breath. "They're just a little disappointed in me right now, ya know? But, we're still close I suppose. Talk mostly with Harry, he's a younger brother, him and his twin, Sam. Paddy's the youngest."

"You have three brothers?" You ask, a little surprised.

"Yep." Tom smiles with pride.

"Your poor mother." You mock.

"Really," Tom agrees. "We were all bloody messes growing up but she always puts us in our places."

"Good, I'm sure all of you need it."

"We do." Tom admits. "Think she'd like you." Tom's voice is almost inaudible.

"Really?" You nearly gasps.

Tom nods. "Yeah, you're here."

"What do you mean?"

Tom shakes his head and his eyes go a little distant. "Nothing."

"Too much?" You ask.

"Kinda."

"Okay, when you're ready."

Tom chuckles and rests his head against your chest before pulling back. "What time we going tomorrow?"

"Leave around two." You smile, still in shock he agreed to go.

"In that case," Tom taps your thighs, gesturing for you to get off of him. "Care to stay tonight?" Tom asks boldly. "Can sleep on separate couches, nothing more." He adds in quickly.

"What do you have planned?" You ask as you stand with Tom.

Tom rubs the back of his neck. "Ya got me." He chuckles. "I want you to stay anyway, but Haz's got a date tonight and he was wondering if maybe you could help him get ready. Really likes this girl."

"If he's going on two planned dates back to back, it sounds like he does. But," You smile. "Guess I could help."

"Yeah?" Tom asks, snaking a hand around your waist and pulling you into him. "If I can borrow your hoodie again."

"You're wearing a jumper." Tom points out, a cornered smirk on display.

"I know." You bite your lip. "But...I like yours."

Tom chuckles and kisses the top of your head. "Can borrow it long as you want." Tom presses a kiss to your forehead.

"We should get back to the show then, before Harrison comes because we got a little distracted." Your cheeks turn bright red with your words.

"Alright." Tom nods and presses a quick kiss to your lips before leading you to the couch.

You lay down, taking the positions you had previously, grey blanket covering you both and your hand in Tom's.

Warm.