do you need more?

Emma grinned, loving the feeling of Ashton’s arms around her more than anything and she buried her face against his chest, listening to his words, but also closing her eyes as she listened to his heartbeat, the rhythm of it soothing her in a way only Ashton could. “I love you, too, Ash,” she murmured quietly, her fingers curling into his shirt to drive home her words, because she knew that she’d be lost without him, he completed her in every way and she couldn’t possibly thank him enough for that. “Good. I’m gonna go all out with every ounce of teasing. You’ll love and hate it, I just know it.”

Calum chuckled quietly, shaking his head quickly. “Definitely not. Letting you win something like that is absolutely out of the question because you, babe, are my world, in every way,” he murmured, grinning each time she kissed him, absolutely loving the way her lips tasted, the way her lips felt against his, how close she was to him, all of it. He could never get enough of her. “You’re everything to me,” he murmured against her lips as he kissed her, just needing her to know that, wanting to imprint the words against her lips, in her mind, so that she’d never forget, because he didn’t want to know who he would be without her.

Riley watched him as she listened to him talk before she moved closer, wanting to do something to help, because she knew how much it hurt to hold pain like that inside. “You don’t have to apologize,” she assured quietly, offering a small smile that she hoped would be even somewhat comforting, even if Luke wasn’t looking at her. “I get it, I do. But you don’t have to hold it in, you know? Letting it out helps more than you’d think.” And, she hated hearing the pain in his voice, the way his voice was strained, and she could see the tears running down his face, and all she wanted to do was to hold him. For a moment, she debated on asking if she could sit by him, if he needed a hug, but she took the initiative herself, sitting down by him and wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug. “It’s okay to cry, Luke.”

Michael blinked with her words, watching her with mild surprise, unsure of whether he was reading the signs right or not, but, eventually a small grin spread across his face. “Alright, if you’re sure,” he decided after a moment, looking to the screen, trying not to worry about the fact that she’d chosen Rainbow Road - everybody knew it was the most difficult map on the game, but he definitely wasn’t about to go down without a fight. “If I win, you have to go out on a date with me.” He said the suggestion as casually as he possibly could, not wanting to make her uncomfortable, in case he was misreading the signs that he felt like she was giving out. “What about you?” Arching a brow, he looked to her, the grin on his features broadening in the slightest. “What do you want if you win?” He couldn’t help but to be curious, but he mostly just wanted to watch her, in awe of the beauty she was.

Ashton smiled as Emma buried her face against his chest, just so incredibly happy to have her in his arms, in his life. Having her in his embrace relaxed him, and with the thought, Ashton rubbed Emma's back with soothing, circular motions, just wanting her to be content with him. Feeling her fingers curl into his shirt, Ashton's smile broadened, and he rested his chin on top of her head, just taking the moment to relax, because his whole world, his whole reason for existing, was right there with him, and he felt that every moment he didn't appreciate Emma was a moment wasted. "I hate the teasing, but I love you." He told her gently. "Take the good with the bad." He chuckled.

Jess felt her cheeks heat up into a blush, and biting her lip bashfully, Jess pulled away, burying her face into Calum's shoulder. "Baby!" She complained quietly, her voice slightly muffled as she squeezed around him, just taking in the scent of his cologne, how it felt to hold him, to have him in her arms. "You tryna kill me today?" She asked with a laugh, her fingers curling into the material of Calum's t-shirt, just taking so much comfort in being this close to him. But his words rung true to her, because Calum expressed exactly how Jess felt for him, too. "I love you."

Feeling Riley's arms around him made Luke feel blessed, like he'd been touched by an angel. Still, he listened to her words closely, and the comfort that just being like this with her brought him was almost overwhelming. Still, he nodded, sighing out a shuddered breath as he leaned into Riley's embrace, being gentle in case he hurt her, but as soon as he relaxed, Luke felt more tears spill down his cheeks, no matter how hard he tried to push them back. But something about being in Riley's arms made Luke feel safe enough to open up to her. Staying silent, Luke sniffled slightly, just appreciating Riley for the wonderful being she was. "Thank you."

Lisa grinned with Michael's suggestion of a date. "Deal," she smiled, offering him her pinky. She figured that the connection she was feeling to Michael was too strong for her to ignore, and by asking her on a date, Michael was clearly feeling it too, and Lisa wouldn't leave today without taking advantage of that. Thinking of her own side to the deal though, Lisa bit her lip, wondering if she should go a bit higher than Michael had. "If I win," she spoke, noticing how his grin broadened; "I get to kiss you." She bit her lip, wondering if she was overstepping any boundaries.

Emma couldn’t help but to laugh with his words and she chewed on her lip, feeling so incredibly lucky to have a man who put up with her as much as Ashton did. “You really are the best,” she hummed out happily before she peered up at him, kissing the skin under his chin teasingly. “The perfect man for me.” Grinning, she winked teasingly, but her words were genuine, because she honestly felt like Ashton was everything she’d ever needed, and she couldn’t possibly thank him enough for that, for existing.

Calum gave a noise, a mock-gasp, and quickly shook his head. “Of course not, baby! I’d lose my mind without you, why would I ever wanna kill you?” he chimed and, despite his joking tone, he knew he was telling the absolute truth. Without Jess, Calum knew he would never be the same. With the thought, he couldn’t help but to hold her close to himself, chewing on his lip almost anxiously, because just the thought pained him, and he didn’t want to think about it. He’d go to the ends of the Earth and back for her, time and time again, just to always call her his. “I love you, too, Jess.” After murmuring the words, he shifted, kissing the top of her head, loving the scent of her shampoo, overwhelmed with how much he loved her.

Riley could feel her heart breaking for Luke when she heard him sniffle and she held him as close as she could manage, running her fingers through his hair gently, her own eyes watering for the pain he was in. “You don’t have to thank me,” she assured him quietly, but she fell silent after that, wanting him to be able to grieve, to cry, to fall apart without judgment, because everybody needed to every once in a while. Her fingers still ran though his hair gently, amazed with how soft his hair was, and she tried hard not to take in his scent with how close he was, but a part of her couldn’t help it. She didn’t interrupt him, though; she just let him work through his emotions.

Michael waited patiently, though his heart throbbed in his chest with the thought that maybe he’d misread things, or maybe he’d overstepped some kind of boundary, and, when she agreed to a deal, he swore his heart stopped before it raced in a way that he’d never felt, igniting in a way that spread so much warmth through him that he never wanted to stop feeling that way. Grinning broadly, he slid his pinky around hers. “Deal,” he agreed, his heart racing even more when she’d decided that her prize would be a kiss. “Though, if you still want that kiss after I win and we go on a date, I’ll make sure you get it.” And, his grin grew broader, if it was even possible, because, despite his teasing, he was completely looking forward to all the possibilities.

Ashton smiled with Emma's words, because he hoped, more than anything, that she brought out the best in him. "You bring the best out of me," he promised quietly, his smile broadening as she kissed him, biting his lip, almost overwhelmed with all the love he felt for her, because he couldn't imagine what his life would be like without Emma, what slump he would be in without her by his side to keep him grounded. "And you're perfect, in general." He reassured with a smile, squeezing around her once more. "And I don't know how a mug like me managed to keep someone as incredible as you."

Jess laughed with Calum's mock-gasp, biting her lip as she looked at him, taking a step back just so she could see him for all he was, amazed by how gorgeous he was. Taking his hands within her own, Jess smiled as Calum tugged her back. "You're so cuddly today." She commented quietly, resting her head against his chest, listening to his heartbeat, appreciating the sound, because it meant that he was alive, and he was hers. "I love it."

Luke snuggled closer into Riley's embrace, wrapping his arm around her middle on instinct, but hoping he wasn't making her uncomfortable in anyway, feeling himself relax as every atom in his body reacted to her and her touch, especially when her fingers ran through his hair. As more tears fell, Luke stayed silent, finding the situation needed no words just yet, wondering that if he talked now, would it be inappropriate? Relishing in the scent of Riley's perfume, Luke snuggled closer still, finally calming down enough to feel comfortable to speak. "You're amazing, Riley, thank you." He told her, his voice gentle, such a contrast to how he was when he was putting on his happy act. "I hope I'm not making you uncomfortable."

Lisa bit her lip happily, squeezing Michael's pinky finger gently with her own. "Just prepare to lose, sunshine." She teased, pulling her hand away with reluctance, because just having any contact with Michael sent a warmth through her that she couldn't deny. It was one of the best things she'd ever felt, and she just wanted to feel it forever, hoping that if things worked out well with Michael, she could. Starting the game, Lisa shot a wink to Michael. "The option for a kiss, for you, is open whenever you want." She bit her lip with the thought.

Emma smiled with his words, shifting a bit to lift her hands, cupping his face gently, her thumbs stroking over his cheek, just loving the way his skin felt under her fingertips. “You bring out the best of me, too, Ash. It’s what soulmates are for,” she murmured quietly, because, while Ashton said it far more often than she did, she completely believed it, that Ashton was her soulmate. Her smile broadened to a grin, though, and she laughed. “You dork, you’re the perfect one.” Leaning up, she kissed him for a moment, grinning happily. “You couldn’t get rid of me if you tried.”

Calum grinned, squeezing her hands gently as he kept her close to himself, kisisng the top of her head. “We’ve both got the day off to just relax and have fun, I’m gonna make every minute of it worth it, even if we have to hang around here at Ash’s for a while,” he joked lightly, though he grinned, loving it when her head was against his chest. His arms slid around her again, his hand rubbing her back as he swore to himself that he’d always protect her and keep her safe. “I love being cuddly with you. I love you.” Kissing the top of her head, he breathed out happily, wondering how he’d gotten so damn lucky.

Riley tried to ignore the way her body felt like it lit up when she felt Luke’s arm wrap around her, tried to pretend she didn’t feel the electricity that seemed to flow through her. She listened to the silence between them, not bothered by it at all, just wanting to let Luke have a few moments to himself and, when he spoke, she offered a small smile and squeezed him gently. “You don’t have to thank me,” she assured him quietly, “You’re not. Don’t worry. You’re fine, just take the time you need to work through everything. We can stay out here as long as you want.”

Michael grinned, watching her, arching a brow. “So sure of yourself, huh?” he asked teasingly, though he felt his heart race all the more when he saw Lisa’s wink, even more, if possible, when she bit her lip, and he swore she was going to drive him crazy before the party was over. “Well, in that case, I might just take that option sooner rather than later.” And, he was really debating it, but he didn’t want her to think that he would use it to win the game. But, he grinned, tucking the thought into his mind before he settled his gaze on the screen as he began to play, focusing. “You’re going down, sweetheart.”

Ashton smiled softly as Emma cupped his face within her hands, relaxing under her touch. Hearing the word soulmate, Ashton's smile broadened, unable to stop himself, Ashton bit his lip slightly, kissing the palm of her hand. "I love you, soulmate." He winked, his arms around her waist as he stayed there with her. "I'm not a dork!" He objected, although he was cut off with Emma's kiss, which he gladly returned, smiling as he gently rubbed her hips. "I would never want to get rid of you. You keep me warm at night." He smiled honestly. "Best damn thing that ever happened to me."

Jess laughed with Calum's words. "Oh no, not Ashton's house." She joked, her eyes closed as she relaxed against Calum's chest, sighing happily as she bit her lip to keep the smile that wanted to take over at bay. "I love it when you get cuddly." She told him reassuringly, smiling as he kissed the top of her head. "Because, you know, the funny thing is, I love you too. So much." She nuzzled into him, wondering what life would be like without Calum to be a constant source of light.

Luke squeezed around Riley gently, just wanting to show his gratitude, but most importantly, wanting her to know that he trusted her, that he was comfortable with her, enough to show her this vulnerable side of him that rarely anyone else, outside of the band, got to see. Still, Luke rested his head against Riley's shoulder, and he couldn't help but notice the faint scent of jasmine in her perfume, and he smiled, absolutely loving how it suited her. "I think I'm okay." He promised quietly, but still kept his hold on her, afraid that if he let go, she would disappear, because Luke already wanted Riley in his line of sight, always.

Lisa laughed with Michael's words. "Honey, I have no reason to not be sure of myself." She teased back, focusing on the screen as she played, but, very subtly, she nudged Michael, hoping to distract him enough that he fell off the track, to just give herself a head start, not wanting to admit she picked the hardest course to take advantage of their deals. Laughing, Lisa grinned. "So sure of yourself, huh?" She teased, using Michael's words against him as she kicked her feet up onto the coffee table.

Emma grinned slightly, her heart swelling with his words. “I love you, too, soulmate,” she chimed happily in return, sliding her arms back around his neck, though she laughed to his words. “Sure, babe, whatever you say.” She winked teasingly, relaxing in his hold, though she chewed on her lip, ducking her head as he continued to speak. “Good. Means you’re forever stuck with me. Lucky me.” And, she meant it; knowing that he was hers, that she was his, it meant the world to her and she couldn’t believe that she’d lucked out with him. “That makes two of us.”

Calum chuckled gently with Jess’s joke and he held her close. “Oi, it’s miserable here in that jerk’s house. You make it worth being here, though,” he joked lightly, though his final words, he definitely meant. No matter where they were, as long as they were together, it made every moment of being there worth it. She was perfect and she was his and he was always happiest with her. “Good. I’ll forever be cuddly. You’re gonna love it. I’m gonna love it. It’ll be perfect.” And, laughing, he kissed the top of her head, glad to feel her so close, to feel her nuzzle into him, and holding her tighter just because.

Riley’s heart nearly soared when she felt Luke resting his head against her and, despite herself, she smiled, but she forced it away, not wanting to seem unsympathetic towards what Luke was going through. Still, she nodded slightly to his words. “That’s good,” she murmured quietly, though she didn’t dare make a move to leave, just wanting to be right there for him, in his arms - a part of her felt selfish for it, but she tried not to think about it. “I’m glad you’re okay. Really.” And, she honestly meant it, with everything in her.

“Ooh, I like that confidence,” Michael teased her in return, grinning, loving the fact that he could so easily be like this with her, that it seemed so natural. And, when she nudged him, he couldn’t help but to look at her and, for that instant, he was so amazed by her, so entranced, so desperately wanting to be near her, that he fell off the map and, when he looked back to the screen, he hissed quietly in dissatisfaction, pouting. “That was a cheap shot. Low blow. Cruel.” He grinned anyways, though, and tried to focus on the game, despite that he so desperately wanted to focus on her.

Ashton grinned widely, unable to stop himself when once again, the word soulmate left Emma's lips, gently squeezing her hips as her arms slid around his neck, just loving the contact between the two of them. "Alright, alright, show off." He winked, pressing a kiss to her forehead. Seeing Emma duck her head, Ashton lifted his hand to gently lift her head. "Hey... let me see that beautiful face." He told her with a soft smile. "I love you. And my life is perfect with you in it." He reassured her, smiling as he watched her. "What's there to do for fun around here?" He teased.

Jess laughed with Calum's words, shaking her head. "Okay, misery, what do you want to do to pass the time?" She teased, biting her lip in amusement. "I can't believe how mean you are with Ashton." She scolded jokingly, but she smiled, despite herself, because wherever she was, as long as Calum was by her side, it was home. "I am gonna love it," she confirmed with a grin. "Because you're so damn wonderful, you're my big teddy bear." She smiled, squeezing around him as he kissed the top of her head.

Luke kept his head rested against Riley's shoulder, not wanting to scare her off by telling her that her arms felt so much like home, he wasn't even sure if he could express the sentiment verbally, anyway. Nuzzling into her slightly, Luke listened to her words, squeezing gently around her waist, wanting her to know he was there for her as much as she was for him, because holding her came so naturally, and Luke loved it. "Thanks to you." Luke smiled, but after a long few moments of content, he brought himself to sit up, instantly wanting to be back in her arms. "Would you like a drink?"

Lisa laughed with Michael's words, shaking her head in amusement. "I like your confidence too, it's so cute you think you're going to win." She teased, biting her lip, loving how every interaction between them came so naturally, how it felt like they'd known each other for years. When Michael's character fell off the map though, Lisa laughed, her head falling back with amusement. "Ha!" She grinned. "Be on guard, c'mon Michael, you hyped yourself up to be a great player and you got distracted." She teased.

Emma giggled quietly when Ashton called her a show off, unable to help it, though she grinned, enjoying his affections. When she felt his hand against her skin, lifting her head, she leaned into his touch as she relaxed. “Such a sweetheart,” she teased lightly, leaning up to kiss his lips for a moment before her grin broadened. “I love you, too.” Chewing on her lip, she watched him. “Hm, well, we could do cake?”

Calum grinned with the mention of it as he held her close to himself. “I would completely enjoy making out with you for the rest of the party,” he chimed easily, casually, though he chuckled. “Hey, you see how mean he is, too! It's not unfounded.” His grin broadening with their playfulness, he held her close as he kissed the top of her head gently. “I love you so much, you know?” His grin softened to a smile and he held her closer. “And I'll gladly be your teddy bear any day, any time.”

Riley smiled gently with hearing his words and she shook her head slightly. “Seriously, Luke, it's okay,” she murmured quietly as she watched him for a few moments. When he sat up, she chewed on her lip but she rubbed his arm gently, just wanting to continue doing whatever she could to help or comfort him. “Yeah, sure. Should we head back in to get something?”

Michael found himself laughing upon hearing her words. “Yeah? The fact that you think you're gonna be the one to win is pretty cute in and of itself, too,” he teased lightly, winking to her, though he chewed on his lip as he tried to focus on playing. “It'd be a lot easier to focus and not get distracted if you yourself weren't so damn distracting, and you're even trying to distract me on purpose, which makes it that much harder.”

Ashton smiled as Emma lifted her gaze once more, his smile broadening as she leaned into his touch. Running his thumb gently along her cheeks, Ashton pressed another kiss to Emma's lips, swearing that in that moment, life truly was perfect, because Emma was there, right beside him. Thinking about Emma's suggestion of cake though, Ashton's smile turned into a cheeky grin, and he almost couldn't contain himself. "When have you ever known me to turn down cake?" He teased, pressing another kiss to her lips.

Jess laughed with Calum's words, shaking her head as she shoved him away gently, biting her lip. "Is that what's running through your thoughts, Calum Hood?" She tutted teasingly. "Naughty boy." She scolded with a laugh. Although, Jess couldn't help the laugh that escaped when Calum complained about Ashton. "You're no angel, babe." She told him with a wink, although when Jess felt Calum kiss the top of her head, she relaxed. "I know," she promised. "I love you too. You're my whole damn world." She promised, and hearing his words about being her teddy bear, Jess couldn't help but smile wider, her head ducking.

Luke didn't understand the sudden courage that came over him, but he shifted, taking Riley's hand within his own, his fingers linked through hers like they were made for each other, and the gesture alone gave Luke so much hope, it was almost overwhelming. Squeezing her hand, Luke hoped and prayed that Riley wouldn't pull away from him, that she wouldn't think of him as strange, or sudden, because all he wanted, now and for as long as he knew her, was her affection - if he wasn't looking too much into the signs she was giving off. Luke toyed with his lip at the thought, knowing that Riley would probably be the only person he could trust with his broken heart. "Sure," he nodded.

Lisa laughed with Michael's words, biting her lip as he called her cute, shaking her head in amusement. "Don't try to distract me, Mikey, I'm already in the lead." She looked at him for a moment, smiling at how he seemed to be enjoying himself, but hearing his words about her being a distraction, Lisa gave a mock-gasp. "You cannot blame me for being distracting!" She told him with a smile. "You're pretty distracting yourself, your smile lights up this whole house, tell me how that's fair." She shoved him again as she finished the first lap.

Emma laughed quietly against his lips, grinning happily, because she was glad Ashton was there, that they were getting to celebrate his birthday together. “You make a very good point,” she teased, murmuring the words against his lips, grinning broadly. “Alright, I’ll go get the cake ready with the candles and such and you can round up the others?” She arched a brow, pulling back from the kiss to grin up at him.

Calum grinned broadly, unable to help it, and he squeezed her gently to himself. “Well, I can’t deny that,” he teased lightly, winking teasingly, just loving that he had her in his life in general, but knowing that she was his meant everything to him, so he never really held back anything he had to say to her when it came to his thoughts. “Maybe I don’t wanna be an angel.” He smirked teasingly but laughed to show he was joking, and he rested his head above hers when she ducked her head. “You’re my whole world, too, Jess. You’re my everything - you always have been.”

Riley blinked with mild surprise when she felt Luke take her hand, her heart racing when she felt his fingers slide through hers, linking together, and she was amazed with how warm the simple gesture made her feel. When she felt his hand squeeze hers, she offered a small smile and returned the squeeze to assure him it was okay, that she was okay with the contact, that she wanted the contact. “Alright, let’s get inside, then,” she murmured, moving to stand before she tugging him along gently, grinning back at him.

Michael laughed with the mention of it. “You may be in the lead, but that doesn’t always stay that way!” he reminded with a grin as he tried to focus on the game, not wanting to give her any further opportunities to distract him, despite how damn distracting she was just by being herself. He grinned, though, with hearing her words. “Yeah? You think so? Maybe you should look at my smile so I can catch up.” He winked teasingly, though, honestly, his heart swelled so much with hearing her words, with hearing her talk at all.

Ashton pouted when he realised that to get his cake, Emma had to pull away from him. Squeezing around her a little, being gentle and careful still, he pressed a kiss to her lips as she spoke against his, tugging at her lower lip with a grin. "Wait a minute, baby." He begged, rubbing up and down her sides gently, not wanting their embrace to end, because no one in this world gave him as much comfort as Emma did. "You're so cute. Just another minute."

Jess laughed with Calum's words, biting her lip in amusement. "Please, Calum, you're like a puppy. Your angel status is confirmed, even when you don't want it to be." She teased, running her fingers through his slight curls, her heart lifting when she heard Calum's laugh. "Good, because I don't want anyone else to be my world." She told him honestly, nuzzling into him. It was still so unreal to Jess, that she fell in love on the first try, met her soulmate on the first try. Smiling with the thought, Jess kissing Calum's shoulder before gently pulling away to stretch.

Luke couldn't help the happy laugh that escaped him when Riley tugged him along, back towards the house. Luke had felt, after the moments he had with Riley today, just the two of them, that a huge weight had melted off his shoulders, and he couldn't be more grateful to the beautiful, kind hearted lady that was holding his hand because he felt as though he told her everything he needed to hear, but couldn't tell himself because he felt as though he wasn't worthy enough to hear it. Stopping just as they were about to enter the house, Luke cleared his throat. "Riley," he spoke softly. "I just, uh." He paused, smiling genuinely. "Thank you. I appreciate this, more than you know." He kissed her temple, then, overtook her so he was the one tugging her along.

Lisa laughed with Michael's words. "Okay, honey, just try to catch up." She teased, although she so desperately wanted to look over to him, see that smile, those eyes that captivated her so easily. "Nuh uh, I may be blonde, but I'm not dumb, Mikey." She teased, nudging him once more, wondering what she could do to win. "You know I'll still accept that date, even if you lose, right?" She teased, biting her lip.

Emma gave a noise of surprise but she laughed against Ashton’s lips, grinning broadly as she enjoyed the attention, despite the shudder that ran through her when Ashton rubbed her sides, because her sides had always been her weak spot. “Alright, alright,” she murmured with a grin, nipping his lip in return as she slid her arms around his neck and leaned to press her forehead against his as she examined him. “You’re adorable, how could I ever say no to that?” Laughing, she leaned to kiss him once more, just loving being able to show how much she loved him when she could.

Calum couldn’t help but to chuckle as he held Jess close to himself, chewing on his lip for a moment. “A puppy, huh? At least you like puppies,” he chimed teasingly, winking as he squeezed her hips and leaned to kiss her forehead gently. “I’m not commenting on that angel comment, though. You’re just trying to take away all my fun.” He laughed jokingly, but was glad to have her in his arms, glad to be able to enjoy just being this close to her, glad to be able to call her his, and she was all he wanted, forever. “I don’t, either, baby,” he murmured quietly, “You’re everything to me. I never want to lose this.” And, to emphasize that, when she pulled away, he leaned to press his lips to hers for a long moment. “And I mean that with every fiber in my body, Jess.”

Riley blinked when Luke came to a stop and cleared his throat and, curious, she looked at him, waiting for a moment, though she blinked in surprise with his gratitude, even more so when he kissed her temple, causing her heart to ignite with a flame that she wasn’t sure how to describe it. “I - Luke, you don’t have to thank me. I’m just… Glad that it helped at all,” she told him quietly, grinning slightly, though she quickly followed after him, squeezing his hand gently, wanting him to know that she was glad he was okay, but also wanting him to know how much she enjoyed the simple contact.

Michael laughed with the mention of it. “That’s quite the challenge, but I’m definitely trying and my bet is that I’ll manage, eventually, somehow,” he teased in response, smiling broadly as he peered over at her, unable to help it, because, honestly, she was the most amazing sight he’d ever seen. Hearing her words, though, he laughed when she nudged him. “I would never think you were dumb, sweetheart.” And, winking, he chewed on his lip, hopeful that he wasn’t coming on too strong and that he didn’t put her off, but that she would at least understand that he was highly interested in her. And, hearing her final words, he could feel his heart swell. “Yeah? Any idea what you want to do for the date, in that case?” He smirked, settling his gaze on the game, enjoying it regardless.

Ashton grinned at Emma, his grin only broadening when Emma wrapped her arms around his neck, and he squeezed her sides gently, knowing it was a spot that affected Emma. "I just love you, baby." Ashton told her as Emma leaned to press her forehead to his, and Ashton leaned to make it easier for her, his eyes half closed in content as he took her in - the smell of her perfume, how she felt under the palms of his hands. "Exactly, babe, you couldn't." Ashton teased, returning Emma's kiss with a happy sigh. "Oi," he murmured. "You're my soulmate, you know that?"

Jess laughed with Calum's words, kissing Calum's jaw. "I kinda have to like puppies when Duke's back home, waiting for us." She teased, grinning as Calum squeezed her hips, but the grin softened when he kissed her forehead. "I'm your girlfriend, babe, I'm meant to take away all that fun." Jess winked, leaning to kiss Calum's jaw, just appreciating Calum's presence. The man was ethereal, and Jess considered it the highest honour that he had chosen her. "God, Cal, you're in those feelings today, hm?" Jess asked with a smile, pressing a kiss to Calum's lips, her arms wrapping around his neck. "You won't ever lose me." She promised, murmuring against his lips.

Luke listened to Riley intently, swearing that her voice was the best damn thing he'd ever heard. When he got to the door, Luke paused once more, turning to look at Riley. "I want to thank you," he told her, not caring if anyone overheard them. "Riley, this is the lightest I've felt in a long time and I -" He paused, squeezing Riley's hand in return, smiling down at her with gratitude. Wondering if Luke should make the next move, he decided that it would be considered a show of friendship too, so he didn't worry too much as he lifted his arm, an invitation for Riley to shift into his embrace, because with her by his side, Luke felt like he could take on any challenge, he could succeed in anything that was thrown to him.

Lisa laughed, shaking her head. "Eventually is the key word there, Michael, nice try babe." She responded easily, peering over at him and seeing his attention was on her, too. Lisa offered Michael a smile, and she studied him for a long moment - Lisa wondered if an angel had paid extra attention when Michael was created, because he was perfect, in every sense of the word. Hearing him laugh, and his words about her being dumb, Lisa laughed loudly, unable to help it. "You dork!" She grinned, kicking her feet up onto his lap. "Movie night?" She suggested, focusing back on the game.

Emma couldn’t help but to grin when she saw Ashton’s grin, swearing the sight was the most infectious thing to exist in the world, but she shuddered once more when Ashton squeezed her sides. “I love you, too, Ash,” she reminded gently, breathing out quietly, happily, when she felt Ashton’s forehead against hers and her eyes examined his, swearing she could never tire of seeing his eyes or being this close to them, even while just talking. Her fingers toyed with the hair at the back of his neck, but she grinned. “I wouldn’t dream of it, either,” she murmured teasingly, though her grin broadened for the moment their kiss lasted, and she shifted closer to him, as close as she could manage. “I do know that. You never hesitate to remind me. And you’re my soulmate, always.”

Calum pouted when Jess kissed his jaw, swearing that he almost shuddered with the feeling, but he grinned, examining her for a few moments. “You don’t have to like puppies,” he teased gently, winking at her before he tugged her closer to himself, holding her close, happy to have her in his embrace. “But Duke deserves all that love, too.” And, chuckling, he winked before he pressed his forehead to hers happily. “No, you’re meant to have all that fun with me,” he teased lightly, smirking slightly with the thought, breathing out happily, because Jess was the best thing he’d ever had, and he loved it - he loved her. “I’m always in those feelings, you should join me,” he murmured jokingly against her lips, grinning as he deepened the kiss. “Good. You’ll never lose me, either, babe. Promise.”

Riley blinked when Luke paused at the door, peering up at him with mild surprise when he turned to her, though her heart swelled when she heard Luke’s words, her expression softening slightly, though she offered a small smile up at him. “Well, I can’t force you to not thank me,” she joked lightly, though she chewed on her lip as Luke continued speaking, feeling a jolt rush through her when Luke squeezed her hand. “I’m glad I’m able to help in any way, really. I don’t want you to be in any sort of pain, Luke - you don’t deserve that.” And, she watched him for a few moments, hoping he knew that she meant it, but she grinned when he lifted his arm, not wasting a moment to quickly tuck herself into his hold, finding she’d never felt more comfortable in her life.

Michael couldn’t help but to chuckle with the mention of it, grinning broadly despite himself. “Keep calling me babe, I love hearing it,” he joked lightly, winking over at her, though he fully meant everything he said, because she was the most amazing thing he’d ever come into contact with, and he absolutely loved it. Everything about her was perfection and it was surreal, to Michael, that she existed at all. When she laughed, though, he couldn’t help but to peer over, mesmerized by her laughter, and he grinned broadly, happily, and chewed on his lip when she kicked her feet up onto his lap. “A movie night sounds perfect to me,” he decided with a nod, laughing as he tried to focus on the game, though he was easily distracted by her. “What kinds of movies do you like watching?"

Ashton gently shifted closer to Emma, wrapping his arms around her middle just so he could have her all to himself. Her attention, her love, it was all Ashton ever wanted. Emma was Ashton's redemption, his chance at happiness, his opportunity to live life to the fullest, and he never intended to let her go - even in the times where storm clouds loomed over their heads, it was Emma who kept Ashton out of the shadows. "You have no idea," Ashton started, pressing a kiss to the top of Emma's head. "How happy it makes me whenever I hear you say that." He smiled, groaning happily when he felt her fingers toying with the hair at the back of his neck, absolutely besotted with her, feeling lucky to feel her touch at all. Ashton grinned with Emma's words. "But your soulmate wants to cuddle his soulmate and kick his annoying bandmates out of the house, so maybe we should get the cake now?" He chuckled, leaning to press a sweet kiss to Emma's lips once more.

Jess giggled when she saw Calum's pout, absolutely loving the sight. "Oi, stop that." Jess teased, nipping gently at his jaw, appreciating the feeling of his slight stubble. She'd always found it attractive when Calum forgot to shave. "Babe!" She debated. "Of course I have to like puppies, I don't wanna offend Duke." She wrapping her arms around his shoulders as Calum pulled her close, laughing as he did - not that she was complaining, because being this close to Calum was always somewhat of a religious experience. "Duke's my favourite." Jess teased when Calum's forehead met hers. Hearing Calum's words though, Jess shoved him away with a grin. "You carry on like this and you'll be having fun by yourself when we get home." She warned with a smirk. "Nah, I'll let you suffer for a bit with those feelings."

Luke grinned with Riley's teasing words, and that was one of the many reasons why he felt himself falling so damn fast for her. And he knew that he was putting himself in a position for possible heartbreak, but dammit, he couldn't resist - Riley was someone Luke wanted to put all of his faith into, and he was already allowing himself to do just that, because everything about Riley screamed perfection, and Luke wanted to relish in that. Being around Riley meant that her light chased off his dark, and Luke couldn't help, with that thought, to smile fondly down at Riley. "You're amazing, Riley." He complimented once he'd heard her speak, her words meaning more to him then he could ever express. When Riley was in his embrace, Luke tightened his hold around her, kissing the top of her head before guiding her into the house, shutting the door behind them. "Is the birthday boy ready to blow out his birthday candles?" Luke teased Ashton.

Lisa grinned with Michael's words. "Alright babe, whatever you want." Lisa winked over at him, smiling as she caught him grinning, too, unable to stop herself from admiring him - only to find that, when she became distracted, her character had fallen off the map. "Fuck!" Lisa groaned. "Are you for real?!" She leaned forward then, grabbing Michael's remote and making his character fall off the edge too, laughing as she did. Hearing his question as their characters were recovered, Lisa smiled over at Michael. "I like the creepy stuff." She admitted with a shrug of her shoulders, settling back as she kept her feet on his lap, continuing the race with a smile, biting her lip.

Emma smiled up at Ashton, tilting her head slightly as she listened to him quietly. “I wouldn’t be too sure about that, babe,” she teased quietly, “But, I’m happy it makes you happy regardless.” Her fingers continued to toy with his hair gently, just enjoying being as close to him as she was, grateful that she had him in her life, and she grinned when she heard him groan, rolling her eyes playfully. “Don’t get too noisy, others will think you’re up to no good,” she teased, but she grinned, leaning into the kiss for a moment before pulling back, looking over to Luke and Riley when they came in. “Yeah, we’re just about ready,” she promised with a nod before she pulled back from Ashton to get the cake, soon calling out to the others, “Guys! It’s time for cake!”

Calum grinned when he felt Jess nipping at his jaw, and he held her closer to himself, his thumbs rubbing careful, gentle patterns into Jess’s skin through her shirt. “Oh, so Duke is the reason?” he teased lightly, though he couldn’t help but to laugh along when he heard her laugh, because she was infectious and he was addicted to her in every way. But, hearing her call Duke her favorite, he made a playful face at her. “Oh, come on, I’m much better than Duke!” He paused, his face scrunching up just a little before he grinned. “Don’t tell him I said that.” Feeling her shove him away, though, he laughed, tugging her back gently, shifting to bury his face against her neck. “So, you are planning for us to have some fun? I knew it.” He kissed the skin that he could reach, gently nipping at it before peering over when he heard the others. “Looks like the party’s finally moving along.” Looking back to Jess, he grinned. “C’mon, the sooner Ash blows out the candle, the sooner we can leave.” Winking teasingly, he pulled back, taking her hand to lead the way.

Riley peered up at Luke, mildly surprised to hear his words, but she smiled slightly as she watched him. “So are you,” she assured him quietly, grinning slightly when she felt Luke’s hold on her tighten, and she leaned into his hold easily, finding that she felt like she belonged there - such an odd feeling to notice when she’d only known him for a few hours, at most. She didn’t mind, though; in fact, it was the opposite, she loved feeling so right, and she didn’t want to lose the feeling. Following him into the house, she could feel her cheeks warm just a little when she felt Luke kiss the top of her head, but she let herself relish in enjoying the feeling, her gaze going to the others as she offered a small grin.

Michael couldn’t help the grin that formed on his face when he heard Lisa call him babe, the sound of the nickname just making his heart swell, and he chewed on his lip as he peered over at her, amazed by her, truly. He laughed, though, when she leaned over to make his character fall off. “Oi, cheater!” he accused, shaking his head slightly, his laugh getting a little louder. “I should win by default there!” Making a face at her, he grinned as he listened to her words and nodded slightly. “I’ll have to remember that, then.” And, he intended to; he wanted to make sure that they ended up enjoying themselves, that she would enjoy herself. Hearing the others, though, he blinked, looking over before pausing the game. “Looks like our presence is being requested,” he joked, shifting to stand up before he offered his hand out to help her up with a small grin.

Ashton smiled down at Emma, just the sight of her smile igniting love within his chest. He'd always adored the feeling that Emma gave him, and he just couldn't help, in that moment, to think of how he wanted to experience this joy and love for the rest of his life - for the rest of his birthdays. Squeezing around her with a dimpled smile, Ashton sighed with content when he felt Emma's fingers play with his curls, trying his hardest not to groan again. "I'm gonna get up to no good when these nerds leave." Ashton lowered his voice, pulling away from Emma to reveal that his angelic smile had turned to a devilish smirk, pressing another kiss to her lips. "Cause you're my real gift, baby, and I'm gonna unwrap you later." Ashton murmured over Emma's lips. Pulling away innocently as Luke and Riley came in, Ashton grinned. "Okay, this birthday hasn't been that bad." Ashton confessed teasingly, his gaze falling to Emma, missing her presence when she wasn't beside him. "Actually, it was pretty good."

Jess smiled as she felt Calum's thumbs caress her skin through her shirt, and she could admit to herself that even the lightest touch could bring her so much comfort. "Duke is the reason." Jess confirmed, her smile widening with Calum's laughter, even more so when Calum pulled a playful face. "Uh, excuse me, Duke is such a good boy!" Jess teased. "Duke doesn't leave laundry everywhere or practice his bass at three am." Jess giggled, shaking her head. "But I'm totally gonna tell Duke that his Dad sucks." Jess laughed, rolling her eyes playfully as Calum pulled her back to him, and when he buried his face into her neck, Jess rested a hand at the back of his neck, exhaling happily as her fingers tangled within his curls. "Get your mind out of the gutter, Cal." Jess teased, following Calum carefully as he led the way to the kitchen, going to help Emma with the birthday cake.

Luke felt every worry within him ease when he felt Riley lean into his hold, and he wondered if she felt what he did, he wondered if she was allowing herself to put her trust in him like he'd put his own trust within her. Luke couldn't help the burst of hope that shot through him, and if he ever had the privilege of holding Riley's heart, he'd be sure not to break it. Pulling away from Riley reluctantly, Luke sat on the breakfast island, tapping the space beside him for Riley to join him, his attention only focused on her. Lifting his gaze from Riley though, Luke looked to Ashton and grinned. "Soon, you'll be too old to play your drums mate, your back will give out. Calum's gonna have to take over the whole rhythm section." And Luke laughed when Ashton gave him the finger, shaking his head in amusement, noticing how much happier he felt because of Riley and her presence, and he knew that he couldn't let this go - he couldn't let her go.

Lisa laughed when Michael called her a cheater, and seeing the blonde boy shake his head, Lisa smiled, reaching over to knock off his baseball cap teasingly, already so fond of the man she hadn't long just met. "Hey, I have to up my chances here, Mikey! I'm sure you understand, it's just business." Lisa winked, and when he laughed louder, Lisa paused, amazed by Michael and his perfection. Hearing his words though, using his voice to pull herself back to the present, Lisa giggled and shook her head in amusement. "If you're throwing in the towel, I accept that date." But hearing the others, Lisa pouted, reaching to place her controller on the coffee table. When Michael offered his hand out, Lisa bit her lip, taking his hand gently. "Thank you."

Emma made a face as she registered Ashton’s words and she patted at his shoulder playfully. “Perv,” she murmured teasingly, rolling her eyes and shaking her head in mock disdain before she peered over to the others with a small smile. “You lot keep him busy.” She nudged Ashton aside and focused on getting the cake and candles. Retrieving the cake from the counter, she unboxed it carefully, sticking the candles into the cake gently, eager to really ensure that Ashton enjoyed his birthday, and grateful for Jess’s help. “Of course it was good,” she called to Ashton jokingly, grinning over at him as she finished arranging the candles on the cake, “We put a lot of work into it. If it wasn’t good, you’d be sleeping on the couch tonight.” Smiling, she admired him from where she was, leaning against the counter. “Cake’s ready when you are, babe.”

Calum offered a playful scoff in response, tightening his hold over Jess gently as he grinned, leaning to press his lips to her neck teasingly. “You and I both know Duke’s not a good boy. We both know that he drags our clothes around the house, rips holes in them when he’s bored, and drools all over them even when they’re clean,” he teased with a laugh, but honestly he was glad that he had somebody like Jess in his life, who loved Duke as much as he did, who loved him as much as he loved her, and he couldn’t be more grateful that somebody as perfect as her existed and that he’d managed to make her his. “Babe, my mind’s always in the gutter. It’ll take a bulldozer to get it out.” He smirked teasingly as he watched her but pouted when she moved away to help Emma. “Aw, babe, come back, she doesn’t appreciate you the way I do.”

Riley couldn’t help the grin that spread across her features as she watched Luke from where she was, admittedly feeling her heart swell with just the sight of him, and with realizing that he didn’t look as sad as he had when he’d arrived to the party. It, undoubtedly, made her heart happy to see him like he was, because even with the small amount of time she’d known him, she knew she cared about him and knew that he could easily have a tight hold on her heart if she gave him the chance - or if he gave her the chance. “Is Luke the bully of the band?” she asked jokingly, arching a brow as she made her way over, hopping up onto the counter beside him, happy to be at his side again, hyper-aware of how her elation heightened the moment she was near him again. “I always pegged Ashton as the bully, if I’m being honest.”

Michael laughed as he processed Lisa’s words, and he grinned over at her. “Just business, huh?” he asked teasingly, nudging her gently, “And here I thought we were closer than that.” He winked teasingly, aware that the playful banter was just making him fall all the more for her, but he didn’t care, he didn’t want to stop. If he could, if he was allowed the opportunity, he knew that he could just fall for her forever, fall deeper into the abyss for her, and he had no complaints about it whatsoever - he wanted to keep falling for her, to see what it would feel like to fall into the depths of love with her at his side. “Oh, I’m not throwing in the towel, but I’m definitely looking forward to the date either way.” He smirked as he watched her. “Because, regardless of who would have won, I’d be asking you out.” And squeezing her hand, he led the way to the kitchen, grinning at his friends, still holding her hand. “Are we gonna get the best part of the party started or what? We all know the cake is the only thing that makes spending the whole day with Ashton worth it.” He grinned jokingly at Ashton. “Sorry, mate.”

Ashton couldn't stop the laugh that escaped him when Emma made the comment about him sleeping on the couch, and wrapping his arms around Emma from behind, Ashton buried his face into her neck, pressing a sweet kiss to her skin. "You'd never let me sleep on the couch baby, would you?" Ashton pouted. Looking to the cake, Ashton's face lit up like a child at Christmas, and his dimples etched deeply into his skin. "It looks awesome gorgeous, thank you." And Ashton couldn't quite believe how perfect this birthday had been. He liked to tease Emma, of course he did, but in reality, nothing could ever come close to the love he felt for her, and knowing that she was forever made his heart swell in the best way - because all he wanted was her. No one else could come close. "Will you blow out the candles with me, darling?" Ashton murmured gently into Emma's skin, wanting only her to hear his question, wanting to make sure they brought in another year of happiness and love together. "And then we can send these losers home."

Jess smiled at the band's back and forth banter as she helped Emma, and when the candles were arranged, Jess tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, admiring the handiwork she and Emma had created. Hearing Calum's words though, Jess rolled her eyes playfully, turning to her boyfriend with a mischevious glint in her eyes. "Oh?" Jess arched an amused eyebrow, approaching Calum. "Maybe Duke wouldn't drag our clothes around if you weren't so keen to get them off." Jess murmured into Calum's neck, gently nipping at his skin. "Maybe when this dork blows out his candles, we can get out of here and give Duke something else to rip holes in." And, teasingly, Jess tugged at Calum's shirt to show him just what she meant, and biting her lip as she pulled away, Jess offered Calum an innocent smile, pretending to be interested in Ashton. "C'mon then, birthday boy. Blow out your candles."

Luke grinned as Riley jumped up onto the counter beside him, and having her so close was the only thing that seemed to put his heart at ease. She was the light that could chase the darkness away, and Luke found himself falling for her and everything about her, from the way she teased him, and the most intoxicating way her perfume surrounded him, engulfed him into a warm embrace. With the thought, Luke gently reached for Riley's hand, lacing their fingers as he scooted over to her, closer than before, wanting her to know that he cared for her - that he loved her. "I wouldn't say bully," Luke teased, looking to Riley with all of his attention, and he knew that in the most crowded room, he'd seek her out. "I'm more bossy." Luke grinned, resting his head gently on top of Riley's, hoping that if she was uncomfortable, she would move away from him. "I'm the lead man, I get to be." Luke giggled. "But Ashton? He's definitely a bully. That's why we try to bully him back." Luke gave Ashton the middle finger.

"Just business," Lisa confirmed teasingly as Michael nudged her, and she couldn't help the way her heart swelled with the attention from him. She wanted to keep his focus, wanted to be the center of his world, and although she knew what she was asking of the universe was a selfish request, she felt as though Michael was quickly becoming the center of her world. "But you're not wrong..." Lisa bit her lip as Michael winked, and Lisa knew at that moment that falling in love with Michael was a blessing - and if he allowed himself to fall for her too, she'd always keep him with her. Hearing his words about their date though, Lisa grinned, squeezing his hand in return. "Just tell me when and where, babe." And lacing their fingers together, Lisa giggled as Michael teased Ashton, shaking her head. "As long as it's good cake," Lisa pulled a face at Ashton.