We head back to mine at my request. Hayden doesn't know this yet, but I have another present for him waiting in my kitchen. I've never baked a cake for anyone before. I've helped my dad to bake for our own desires and wants, but I've never attempted one by myself and for a particular event that surrounds one singular person. I can only hope he likes it. I hope it'll be editable. It certainly looks like it is, but I couldn't eat it to test.

"Does your dad know I'm here?" Hayden quickly asks as we walk up the path to my front door.

"Nope," I say. His face drops. I chuckle. "He won't mind at all. Liliana turns up at my house unannounced and he doesn't batter an eyelid."

"As long as you're sure," he says nervously.

"I'm positive."

I open the front door and allow him to step in before me. He smiles gratefully and immediately removes his shoes before lingering in the hallway, waiting for me, seemingly unaware of what to do.

"You remember where the kitchen is?"

He nods his head. "I'm pretty sure I do." So he leads the way, but halts as we pass the living room with its open frame. He lifts a smile and nods his head at something.

"No way," I hear Issac's voice.

I peak my head around the frame and see Issac and Sami cuddled up on the sofa, watching a movie on TV. Issac has a large grin on his face as he switches his gaze between Hayden and I.

"Hayden Sampson," he whispers, like he doesn't believe what he's seeing and needs someone to confirm that it's not all in his head.

"Hi, Issac," Hayden chuckles.

"You've got a beard now."

Hayden strokes the stubble that looks newly shaved. "Not a full grown one. I don't think I have the face structure for that."

"It looks good."

"Thanks." Hayden blushes and smiles. I grin and furrow my eyebrows as I look between them. Sami and I both share the same playful look as Hayden and Issac both big each other up. "I see you're still shaving yours off."

Issac nods his head and slaps his bald cheeks. "I've never managed to pull off a beard."

"I thought it looked hot," Sami says as she raises her eyebrows at my brother. "But you refused to keep it."

"It looked wrong. I wish it looked hot."

"I'm surprised you didn't like it," I tease. "You're always staring at yourself in the mirror. You can't get enough of it."

"Obviously. Have you not seen me?" he scoffs.

"I have to agree with Issac," Hayden admits. "He does look good."

"Can you guys please stop flirting? It's giving me the shivers."

Issac bursts out laughing. "You only want Hayden to flirt with you? Don't worry, I'm sure he still has a lot left in him."

My eyes widen and a deep coat of red begins to coat my cheeks as I stare in horror at my big, annoying brother who always manages to embarrass me.

Sami slaps Issac's chest lightly. "Don't be mean."

"I'm not being mean. I think it's sweet that Hayden and Sierra are finally making a go of things. One thing, though: no kissing around me. Seriously, I can't stand all that."

"Hayden's my friend," I warn him, starting to feel physically ill from humiliation.

"Yeah, yeah. Of course," Issac hums, making it painfully obvious that he doesn't believe us.

My eyes flicker over to Hayden. He's staring at me.

"Shall we go to the kitchen? I want to give you your present."

Hayden nods his head and begins to walk towards the kitchen.

"Oh, happy birthday, Hayden!" Issac calls out.

"Thank you."

"Happy birthday," Sami quickly says. She looks at Issac unsurely, asking through her expressions if she did the right thing. Issac gives her a smile of assurance to let her know that she wasn't awkward or weird. She seems to relax a little once Hayden thanks her. I smile at her sweet but awkward self.

Giving one last glare at Issac, I follow Hayden's footsteps and meet him in the kitchen. He's resting his back against the marble counter, waiting for me peacefully. I smile awkwardly. I hate that Issac embarrassed me like that.

"Your brother hasn't changed," he says, laughing softly.

"Nope. He's still his annoying old self," I agree, pausing and taking the chance to gaze at Hayden's features; getting lost in those eyes, before retrieving the chocolate cake that I smothered in chocolate butter icing with an extra layer in the middle.

Hayden's face lights up at the sight of it, I watch contently as he eyes over the cake with a large smile consuming his face. I grab a lighter from the counter and light the candle in the middle.

"Happy birthday, Hayden," I tell him, unable to wipe the smile from cheeks.

His eyes flicker up to look at me, his expression is soft and full of admiration and appreciation.

"You made this for me?" he whispers in disbelief.

I nod my head. "I know how much you love chocolate cake."

"I can't get enough of it."

"Are you going to make a wish?"

Hayden chuckles and bends down before blowing out the candle. He stands straight again and then stares at me for a while before asking, "Aren't you going to ask what I wished for?"

"Nope. It won't come true if you tell me."

"How very considerate of you."

I flick my hair behind my shoulders and hum. "I try."

I find a knife for Hayden to cut two slices of cake for us both. I'm relieved when I realise that I actually did a pretty good job of baking. By the look on Hayden's face, I can tell that he also enjoys the flavour.

"Thank you for doing this," he says.

"It's no problem at all."

"You're a really good friend."

I smile. "So are you."

"You think?"

"I know. I've known that since the day I met you."

I notice him shuffling forward subtly. "You've always been this way."

"This way?" I question, asking for clarification.

"Sweet. So very sweet."

"Well I'm not going to be horrible to you for no reason. Even if I wanted to, I wouldn't be able to. Not with you."

He keeps growing closer. "Why not with me?" he whispers. I can hear his heavy breaths. I can feel them tickling my face, sending shivers down my spine that causes my body to tremble.

"I care too much about you," I admit without realising it. I'm stuck in some sort of trance, unable to pull my gaze away from Hayden or stop the words from spilling out. My tongue continues to flick out words that I've been struggling to say. "I'd hate myself if I ever hurt you, Hayden. All I want is to protect you."

"I feel the same way," he reveals in a deep voice that is consumed with both relief and desire.

My eyes scan his entire body before landing back on his face. I stare at the mole on his cheek, his thick eyebrows, his sharp jawline, his perfect lips. My heart hammers against my chest, almost like it's attempting to rip itself out so it can place itself in Hayden's own hands. I grip onto the counter, trying to stop myself from touching him and attempting to fall into his arms. I've been craving one of his warm, peaceful hugs from the moment I experienced it. It's an addiction. A craving. Being in his arms feels different from any other hug I've had.

"Can I hug you?" he suddenly asks, like he can read my mind.

I almost laugh, but I quickly stop myself. I've never heard someone ask to hug me. Something about it is quite sweet, though.

"Yeah, of course," I say quietly as a huge smile almost tickles my ears.

He breaks out in a relieved smile as I take a step forward and relax into his body. He's not much taller than me, we're almost the same height, so I rest my chin on his shoulder and close my eyes, allowing myself to get lost in the moment of peace. Everything disappears. My head is empty and silent; something I don't get to experience very often. I can feel his grip tighten around me, holding me close and refusing to let go. Does he feel how I do? Afraid to let go? Not wanting to part in case it's the last time we do.

His hand rubs my back, causing a flood of something warm to wash over my body and make me sigh. I don't want this to stop. I want to remain in his arms for a lifetime, because I know I'll be safe here, I know he'll fight off the danger, I know that we'll okay and we'll be close.

What a better way to spend my life than to spend every passing moment of my existence with Hayden Sampson? I can honestly say that it would be a privilege.