do you need more?

Emma could feel a small grin form on her features when she felt Ashton’s arms around her, swearing nowhere ever felt like home as much as Ashton’s warmth did. “I dunno, I find myself tempted often,” she teased lightly in response, though her heart swelled with Ashton’s gratitude, always loving when she was actually able to do something for him, loving making him happy in any way, because if anybody deserved happiness, it was Ashton. “You don’t have to thank me. Really. But, if you insist on it, you should thank Jess, too. She helped me a lot.” Feeling him speak into her skin, she shuddered a bit but leaned back in his hold, relaxing a bit as she hummed in thought. “I think that can be done.” Peering over her shoulder, she offered him a smile. “What should we wish for?” Reaching for the matches, she went ahead to light the candles.

Calum couldn’t help the grin that formed on his features when he saw the mischievous glint in her eyes, recognizing it all too easily, because he knew Jess better than he knew himself, and he knew that glint meant that he’d definitely won. “I can’t help it,” he hummed out easily, shuddering when she nipped at his neck, but his grin fell into a smirk, Calum’s hands slid down her form, eventually resting on her ass, where he squeezed gently, his smirk growing. “You look great with clothes on, but fuck, when they’re gone, I lose all sense of self control.” And, he had no qualms admitting it, because it was absolutely true. Hearing her continue to speak, though, his smirk grew even more, and he leaned to press his forehead to hers. “Now there’s an idea.” And, it was one he certainly planned to put to use. He looked over at Ashton, though. “C’mon, mate, we don’t have all day here.” He grinned teasingly, not wanting to seem rude, but he wanted to get home with Jess as soon as possible.

Riley chewed on her lip happily as she watched Luke, feeling her heart swell when she felt him take her hand, her fingers lacing through his in return, wanting the contact, needing it, because something about Luke spoke to her in ways she didn’t think was possible - and she wanted to discover more of the feelings he was giving her, she wanted to experience everything she could with him. “Definitely a bully,” she teased lightly, nudging him gently, “The whole lot of you, all bullies.” She grinned teasingly, shaking her head, but she didn’t really mean it - in all honesty, she thought every single one of the people in the house currently were some of the best people she knew. Looking over, she watched the others. “Don’t take forever with the candles, Ash! I’ve gotta get back to Max, you know my parents are babysitting him.” And, she couldn’t wait to get back to Max, aware her German Shepherd was probably going crazy without her already, because of his separation anxiety. “I promised two hours, I don’t want him thinking I lied.”

Michael grinned when he saw Lisa bite her lip, swearing the sight set his heart aflame in a way he hadn’t even known was actually possible - and, admittedly, he never wanted to lose the way Lisa was making him feel, certain she would be the best thing to ever happen to him, that she would be the best part of his life, even if he’d only known her for a few hours. Something about her just made everything feel so… Right, and he knew she belonged in his life as much as he belonged in hers. “Good, I’m glad,” he told her honestly, his grin broadening as he squeezed her hand, thinking for a few moments. “Saturday? What kinds of things are you into for dates? We could go to dinner, or a movie, or dinner and a movie, mini golf, bowling - whatever you want. I want this to be perfect.” And, the truth was, he really did. He wanted to make sure that he did whatever it took to ensure that Lisa enjoyed herself with him, hopeful that something more could form between them. “Or you could come ‘round to mine and I could cook for us? Up to you, love.” He smiled as he watched her but looked over to the others, grinning to Lisa’s comment. “As long as Ashton doesn’t steal it all, that is. You never know with that one.”

Ashton gently squeezed around Emma, and he could admit to himself that he was so grateful for her, and he knew that whatever he wished for, it would include her and her happiness, it would include her by his side for as long as she wanted him, because he always wanted her. Humming, Ashton nuzzled into Emma, grinning with her words. "Calum might kill me if I thank Jess." Ashton joked, his dimpled smile growing as Emma leaned into his hold, the weight of her in his arms the most incredible thing. Pressing a kiss to the top of her head, Ashton leaned down - his tall frame towering over Emma - to murmur into her ear. "I wish for our forever." Ashton told her softly, smiling as he pressed another kiss to her temple. He could never stop himself, her existence was a miracle, and kissing her, being able to hold her and touch her and have her to himself, was a gift. Leaning to blow out the candles, Ashton giggled, snuggling into Emma. "Okay, you lot," Ashton rolled his eyes playfully. "Get out of my house, see you at the next writing session. My girl and I are gonna snuggle."

Jess watched with amusement as Calum's sweet grin fell into a devilish smirk, and she knew that he wanted her in that moment, just as much as she wanted him, and damn it, she shouldn't let him drive her this crazy, but he did, and she loved it, and she couldn't fight it even if she tried. When Calum's hands rested on her ass, Jess smirked up at Calum, biting her lip as she listened to his words. "Yeah?" Jess feigned innocence in her voice. "Well, you better get me in the back seat of that car and take these clothes off, because I won't be able to wait until we're home. And I don't want Duke to ruin my favourite panties." Jess pressed a kiss to the corner of Calum's mouth, her hands resting at the back of Calum's neck as she turned to watch Ashton blow out his candles, and as the candles extinguished, Jess smiled, trying to keep a calm exterior, not wanting to be rude, knowing that her false bravado would only excite Calum further. "I hope you had a great day, Ash."

Luke took a moment to commit the feeling of Riley's fingers laced through his to memory, and he realised that even the girl who broke his heart didn't feel this right. He felt as though, given the chance, things would come so easily with Riley, nothing would have to be forced, no empty words would have to be spoken - and it was frightening, he already felt himself falling for her, and as ready he was to fall, he wondered if he'd scare her off with any further display of affection. Biting his lip, Luke scooted closer to Riley, only snapping out of his thoughts when she spoke, the sound of her voice the sweetest symphony he'd ever heard. "We're not bullies!" Luke defended with a grin, shaking his head in amusement. Listening carefully to Riley as she spoke further, Luke blinked in confusion - babysitting? Did Riley have a son? Luke couldn't help but smile slightly with the thought, his dimples etched into his cheeks. He wondered if he was as beautiful as his mother, or if his father was around. Luke decided silently that if he was, it wouldn't chase him away from Riley, because an opportunity this beautiful only came around once in a life time, and he didn't want to throw it away like a fool. As Ashton blew out the candles, Luke's grin broadened. "Oh, thank god!" He nudged Riley playfully.

Lisa listened to the softness of Michael's voice, and she relished in the sound, unaware of how someone's voice resemble a lullaby. Smiling softly as Michael squeezed her hand, Lisa watched with amusement as Michael paused, clearly thinking, and Lisa admired him. "Saturday sounds perfect." Lisa grinned, her own smile broadening as she watched the man, and as he listed off activities, Lisa couldn't help but giggle, leaning to press a kiss to his lips gently to stop him from rambling nervously, her blonde hair falling into her face, and as her lips connected with his, Lisa swore her heart set itself alight with adoration, because Michael, in the space of two hours, had already captured her heart, and falling in love didn't seem so bad now that she knew he existed. "I'd love to just come 'round to yours and get to know you better." Lisa promised against Michael's lips,

Emma felt her heart swell when she heard Ashton’s wish and she grinned, chewing on her lip, easily finding herself wishing for the same thing, because all she wanted was to have Ashton in her life, to be with him, to have a future with him. She squeezed gently around his arms, her eyes closing over for a few moments, just enjoying being in his hold, in his presence. “Sounds like a perfect wish,” she told him quietly, grinning slightly before she opened her eyes, shifting a bit to peer over her shoulder at him, and she leaned to kiss his cheek, grinning against his skin when she registered him urging the others out of the house, and she laughed, settling her gaze back on the cake. “Not even gonna give everybody a chance to enjoy the cake?” she asked teasingly, though she moved to pull the candles out of the cake, looking to the others, “He’s probably not gonna say it, but thanks for coming to celebrate his birthday, everybody.” She made a playful face at Ashton but waved to the others.

Calum chuckled quietly, though he found himself nearly groaning when he saw her bite her lip - even the simplest things about Jess, things she did or said or ways she acted, drove him crazy in the most amazing ways, and he loved her for it. “That’s why there’s a door to lock him out, love,” he teased quietly with a small smirk, lowering a bit to nip at her jaw, murmuring in her ear, "Though I am absolutely all for car sex." He winked teasingly, his smirk growing as he squeezed her ass a bit, enjoying any contact he could get, but also just enjoying feeling her under his touch, having her close to himself, because she was his one - she always had been - and he never wanted to lose her. Hearing Ashton, though, he looked over and scoffed. "Sure, mate, enjoy your snuggle." He was certain all of them knew better. "I'll go enjoy my own with my girl." Looking over to Jess, he grinned, pulling his arms away to offer his hand out to her. "Alright, c'mon, let's get out of here." Motioning, he began tugging her towards the door, not even bothering to hide how eager he was.

Riley offered an amused look over at Luke, rolling her eyes playfully. "I don't believe that for a second," she chimed teasingly, finding it easy to just talk to Luke, to be around him; she felt like she didn't have to pretend with him, because he seemed so genuine and his presence, his existence, was so comforting, it was almost surreal, unbelievable. Grinning when he nudged her, she nudged him in return before she hopped down from the counter. "Well, if the birthday boy is so eager to kick us out, I guess we might as well comply," she joked lightly, looking towards Ashton and Emma, "Consider it a birthday gift, old man." Her attention went back to Luke, then, and she could feel her heart swell at the sight of him. "Are you gonna head out, too?" she asked, arching a brow, "Or are you gonna stick around to annoy your drummer?"

Michael found himself staring at Lisa in shock, blinking several times as he registered what had happened, what Lisa had done, and he could feel a broad grin spreading across his face, and he was certain he had never grinned so broadly before. He found himself craving the feeling of her lips again and he couldn't help it, he couldn't stop himself from leaning forward to capture her lips with his to satisfy the craving that seemed to be driving him crazy at this point. While kissing her, though, he could feel his amazement with her growing, because he could already imagine a future with her - he wanted a future with her, certain it would be the best thing to ever happen to him, that she was the best thing to ever happen to him. "I think that's a wonderful decision," he decided happily when he pulled away from the kiss, but he was still grinning broadly as he watched her, taking her in. "I can't wait." Hearing Ashton, though, he looked over before laughing and looking back to Lisa. "Guess that means we won't be getting any cake after all." Not that he cared; all that mattered to him now was Lisa. "You wanna get outta here?"

Ashton smiled softly as he felt Emma squeeze around him gently, and he pressed his forehead to her temple, studying her as her eyes closed for a few small moments. He couldn't help but wonder what she was thinking, because Emma was the most incredible thing Ashton had known; and there was no one who's mind worked so brilliantly than hers. Pressing a kiss to the side of her head, Ashton listened to the sound of her voice, finding that the sound soothed him more than anything else. "It is the perfect wish." Ashton promised, pulling away. His smile widenined as Emma peered over to him, and he exhaled happily as she kissed his cheek, the smell of her perfume almost intoxicating him. "They can have cake later." Ashton promised, although he looked to his bandmates and his friends with a smirk, turning playful as he heard Calum's words. "Well then Cal, you understand why you have to wait for a slice of cake, right?" Ashton raised his eyebrows. "Now get out, I'm gonna love on my woman. Thanks for coming though, guys."

Jess giggled as Calum spoke about locking poor Duke out. "We could never treat our son like that, baby." Jess teased, her head tilting backwards as Calum nipped at her jaw, her fingernails digging into the back of his neck, enough to leave a familiar, thrilling burn of lust. "I knew you'd be all for that." Jess smirked up at the man she loved, rolling her eyes teasingly as he squeezed her ass, although Jess moved closer, and with a grin, Jess turned away from Calum, her ass against his crotch, and acting as innocent as she could, Jess offered her usual, sweet smile to her friends. "Just enjoy the rest of your birthday, loverboy." Jess teased, enjoying the warmth of Calum against her. When Calum pulled away in his rush to leave, Jess pouted a little bit, but quickly accepted the offer of his hand, amused and excited. "Bye guys!" Jess giggled.

Luke smiled as Riley offered him an amused look, and as she rolled her eyes, Luke couldn't help but allow a laugh to burst forth, because Riley had such an incredible affect on him that he almost found it unbelievable. For all the heartache he'd been through, Luke was certain that Riley had been placed in his life to make things better, and her presence was certainly comforting - Luke wanted Riley to know that she had him in any way she wanted him. Feeling Riley nudge him, Luke laughed as she hopped down from the counter, tucking a stray strand of sandy blonde curls behind his ear. "I'm heading out if you wanna do something fun." Luke shrugged with a smile; trying not to let his hopes get too high. He knew that Riley was far out of his league, a true beauty with the kindest heart, and yet, he wanted to be front of the line for her affection, for her attention and adoration. Biting his lip, Luke extended his hand to Riley as he hopped off the counter. "What do you say?"

Lisa laughed, almost breathlessly, as she saw Michael's shock; and when he grinned, Lisa's heart jumped wildly within her chest, the sight of his smile enough for her to wish to whatever deity was listening that she could wake up to him every morning. But as Michael captured her lips with his own, Lisa smiled into his lips, her hands coming to cup his face delicately, her thumbs running over the apples of his cheeks, and she knew, instinctively, that it was Michael she was meant to have for her own. "Yeah?" Lisa asked with a smile as he pulled away. "I think it's the best decision." She promised, smiling as she moved to push her hair from her face. Hearing Ashton's words, Lisa rolled her eyes playfully. "Practice safe sex, kids." She teased. Looking to Michael, Lisa nodded with bright eyes. "Let's go."

Emma smiled slightly as she listened to Ashton, her heart swelling, because she couldn't imagine anything better, anything she wanted more, than to spend the rest of her life with the man she loved so, so dearly. "It is," she agreed quietly, watching him happily, though she laughed with the mention of cake, and she rolled her eyes playfully. "It wouldn't surprise me if you end up eating all of the cake on your own, though," she teased, grinning up at him. The more Ashton spoke, though, the more she could feel her cheeks warm, and she made a face up at him, bashfully shifting to bury her face against his neck.

Calum snorted quietly in response to Ashton's words. "There better still be cake when we come to get some eventually!" he called, but he waved to the others as he led the way out of the house, grinning at Jess as he squeezed her hand. "Least we have the rest of the day to have all the fun we want." He smirked teasingly, excited and eager to spend time with her, to enjoy her presence in whatever way he could - though he'd be lying if he said he wasn't also looking forward to feeling her body against his, her skin against his, in the most wonderfully addictive ways, and judging by her earlier suggestion, he was pretty sure she felt the same way about the idea.

Riley blinked, looking over to Luke, surprised with his offer. Still, hearing the offer made her a little happy, because it meant Luke wanted to spend more time with her, and she found herself wanting to spend more time with him. But, she also knew Max was probably missing her a lot by now - even if she was already planning to stay away for a while because she’d expected the party to last a while. “Okay,” she said eventually, offering a small smile, “But I can’t be out and about for too long, alright?” She chewed on her lip, hoping Luke would understand, and that he wouldn’t take it the wrong way. “I’ve gotta get home to Max before he has a freak out.”

Michael couldn’t help but laugh when he heard Lisa’s words, and he grinned. “You certainly have a way with words,” he teased lightly, nudging her gently, though he nodded slightly when it seemed that she was ready to go. “See you lot later!” he called to the others, grinning, waving to his friends before he led the way to the door, holding the door open to let her out first, motioning for her to lead the way. “So, what all should we do, hm?” He arched a brow, curious, watching her, taking her in, and he could admit that he wanted to see her every day for the rest of her life - she was just so perfect, so fascinating, and he knew his life would be so much better with her in it.

Ashton chuckled as Emma buried her face against his neck, and exhaling happily, Ashton rubbed soothing circles into her back, just having her this close to him, safe in his arms, meaning so much more to him than he could ever express, because damn it, she belonged to him, and he never, ever, wanted to let her go, let her love go. "I love you," Ashton murmured into her hair, but as his friends began to leave, Ashton smirked, his hands drifting down towards Emma's ass, giving a gentle, playful squeeze. "But I can't wait for these bums to get out of here so I can remind you just who loves you the most." He smirked, pulling away then with a smirk, running his fingers through Emma's hair, and as their friends left, Ashton studied Emma before throwing her over his shoulder in a fireman's lift, laughing as he ran to their room, his hold on Emma tight, and protective, and so loving.

Jess giggled with Calum and Ashton's banter, and following Calum's lead, Jess offered her friends a quick wave, squeezing Calum's hand as she shut the front door, and remembering Calum's wishes to climb into the backseat of their car, Jess smirked, pulling Calum to the side of the house and out of sight of everyone, their car parked at the end of the driveway and out of sight of the house, but she knew damn well if Calum couldn't keep any self-control, Riley, Luke, Michael and Lisa would see them on the way out - and damn it, that's something she didn't want. Placing her pointer finger over her lips to tell Calum to shut up, Jess reached on her tip toes to press her lips to his, hoping he understood her silent hint. Wrapping her arms around his neck, Jess sighed happily into Calum's mouth.

Luke felt his heart drop at the mention of a Max - a boyfriend, probably. He couldn't see how someone as beautiful as Riley could stay single, and he was foolish for even thinking he stood a chance. "Sure," Luke nodded, trying to hide his disappointment - and after everything Arzaylea had put him through, he was certain he was a master at pretending. "We can grab a coffee?" Luke suggested happily, realising then that having any time with Riley would be better than nothing, and he could use more friends anyway, but would he be burying himself deeper by falling for a woman that was taken by some tool called Max. Grabbing his jacket, Luke saluted Ashton and Emma. "See you both another time, lovebirds." Luke nodded, leading Riley out of the house. "So, tell me about Max." Luke grinned as he and Riley stepped out into the sunshine, trying his hardest to be happy for her.

Lisa laughed with Michael's words, giggling as he nudged her. "I can't help myself when it comes to those two, Emma's just so easy to wind up." Lisa winked, but taking a deep breath as Michael asked what they should get up to, Lisa bit her lip, debating whether or not she should be so bold, so forward with Michael. "Practice safe sex?" Lisa asked with a half-teasing, half-serious tone, stopping just outside the door as Michael closed it behind him. "I'm not usually so forward, but Michael, there's something about you that I can't ignore anymore." Lisa admitted with a blush. "It's like you were made for me..."