chapter 13

Robbie's POV

"Well this is nice isn't it? Five friends sat calmly around a table without any fighting." Jason smiles looking over into mine and Gary's direction mainly when he mentions fighting.
"Maybe we can do it more often before we begin touring? Would be nice to keep updated with everyone." Mark adds whilst reaching for a slice of pizza. "So... has anyone got anything they would like to share?"
"Mark, we're not at Pre-school." Howard laughs. "Besides i haven't got anything to share lately. Life's pretty boring." Glancing out the corner of my eye at Gary who sits a seat away from me he types something on his phone not paying attention. "What do you think the fans will think of the new album? It's different to what we usually write... will be interesting to know..." Gently i stroke my foot against Gary's shin causing him to flinch a little.
"I've asked a few people i know... they seem to like the demos."
"Who'd you ask Markie?" Jason raises his eyebrow whilst slipping off his tracksuit jacket.
"Just family... well i sent them to our Tracy and Daniel... but Mum likes them..." Shyly Mark smiles playing with his fingers. Jason and Howard erupt into laughter leaving me and Gary in our own world, as i slowly slide my chair closer to him. Gary tries to ignore my actions when he feels a finger circle around his knee cap. "Ay... leave Markie alone. At least we know we still have fans... even if they are our parents... better than none...right?" Gary smirks whilst placing his hand over my fingers under the table. Without making it obvious i slide away my fingers replacing it with my hand where i firmly hold Gary's.

"Gaz is right... i think it's cute." Smiling over to Mark i continue to watch Gary out the corner of my eye who gently squeezes my hand. Slowly my fingers skim the inside of Gary's thigh causing him to choke, as they stroke over the now visible bulge in his trousers. Using his free hand he tries to bat away my skillful fingers scolding me with a serious look. It hard to keep the laughter in when Gary's looking like this with the panic slowly filling his eyes. Moving my fingers over his bulge again i feel him twitch against my palm, as sweat builds on his forehead. Resisting the temptation of 'sorting Gary out' i move my hand back into his where it rests against his knee.
"Have we decided what our second single will be?" Mark brushes away his blushing cheeks by asking a question.
"I think Kidz should be the second single... it's more up beat isn't it? More like today's music in my opinion." Howard looks at each of us. Gary sucks his top lip nodding slightly thinking if it could work also trying to hide away his previous hidden moans.
"I agree. Kidz will be a hit!" Mark grins pleased that most of us agree that it should be only next single- only because he sings lead.
Laughing slightly i rub my thumb over the top of Gary's hand still under the table. "Is that because you sing lead, lad? Anyway i think Happy Now will be a bigger hit than Kidz..."
"Is that because you sing lead?" Mark quietly giggles from across the table.
"Absolutely!" The five of us fall about laughing. It feels great knowing how close we've grown especially me and Gary for obvious reasons.
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"Gaz, are you sure you don't want a lift back with us?" Mark holds a drunken Howard up against the wall who's completely out of his head.
"Nah, i'm fine thanks Marko. The taxi will be here soon i'll help Rob clear up for the time being." I watch the pair of them exchange a friendly hug from a distance. Mark's hand gently pats Gary's back exactly the way i do it. Both of their eyes are closed during the embrace until thankfully Howard interrupts with his slurred speech. "I love you guys!" He clings onto the pair of them almost knocking them to the floor.
"Erm... Jase... bit of help mate?" Mark calls towards the taxi where Jason's sat waiting. After a struggle involving a very drunk Howard, Jason and Mark safely secure him in the back of the taxi. The taxi starts to pull away, as they wave bye to Gary who's standing at the front door and me who's waving through the window. Once the taxi's out of sight Gary closes the front door, but before he does i walk into the hallway.
"Good night?" I ask smiling softly hiding away my slight jealous over Mark.
"Yeah wasn't bad... Dougie's going to have right killer hangover by morning isn't he?" Gary half smiles  whilst walking towards me.

"Sure you still want to stay over?" Coiling an arm around Gary's waist i rest my chin against his shoulder releasing a quiet sigh.
"Of course? Why wouldn't i?" Returning the hug he pulls me closer enough for the pair of us to feel one anothers steady heart beats. Rising my shoulders slightly i shrug without saying a word which is pretty foolish of me. There's no point trying to hide anything from Gary, he can read me like a book. "Rob... is everything ok? Have i done something to upset you?"
"N...No...Gaz.. it's fine honest..." My fingers play with the hair on the back of his neck. Why am i acting like this? Mark's my bestfriend it's quite clear that there's nothing between them. I'm just being childish.
"Rob... tell me." Gary pulls away from the hug studying my face, his cheerful smiles drops into a more serious blank expression. Running my hand through my hair taking a deep breath, for now i decide to keep my jealous thoughts to myself.
"It's just... er... you worried me tonight Gary. You took so long to arrive here... and before you tell me about the phone call to your Mum i know... it's just... a text wouldn't of hurt, right? And the fact that you rejected my call made me think that you decided not to come over...second thoughts maybe... i don't know why, but for some reason i keep thinking you're having second thoughts about all this... and i don't blame you if you are... i'm not the kindest...sweetest...most loving person on this planet or the-" My words get cut off by Gary's lips which cover mine preventing me from finishing my sentence. It only lasts for 3 or 4 seconds, but it still takes my breath away.
"I'm sorry for not texting you Rob... i really didn't think about the worry i was causing you... it was selfish of me, and the only reason why i rejected your call was because i was driving here i didn't want to risk getting caught by the cops whilst on my way otherwise i wouldn't of got here, and you need to stop bringing yourself down... you're starting to sound a lot like me. You're one of the most selfless... loving... funny... cute... handsome and caring men i know...i'm not having second thoughts...i wouldn't dream of having them." The back of his hand gently brushes against my now burning cheek. "...So please don't talk yourself down... it upsets me when you do... anyway... if you want me to go... i understand."

"Huh? Why? Do you want to leave?" My heart sinks over thinking the situation again. "....Have i upset you?"
"Only when you talk yourself you do... and no... i don't want to leave, but it seems i've done something wrong... i'm sorry if i have."
Wrapping my arms back around his waist i pull him closer again. "No... Gaz honest... i was just worried that's all.. please stay?" I look at him with pleading eyes. Gary's lips curl at the corner of his mouth turning into a friendly smile.
"Would love to..." Sliding his hands down my sides he grasps my hands.
"Shall...we...erm... go to bed?" Biting my bottom lip i grin nervously whilst holding his hands.
"Thought you'd never ask..."