Crossroads

8 | Same But Different

I raise my brow in question.

"Did you expect me to run into your arms and give you a big ole kiss?" I ask, unaware of the game he's playing.

He takes a step closer to me, leaving barely any distance between us. He leans in and his breath caresses my ear, a shiver dancing up my spine.

"I'm not opposed to the idea." he whispers lowly.

Damn, Danny really chose a golden time to not be with us.

Caleb faces me, getting closer by the second. I don't dare move.

Deciding to play along, I let him get closer. He hesitates, realising with a start that I'm giving in. Only, at the last second, I side step and he ends up losing his balance.

"What was that for?" he aks, an equally shocked and bewildered look now on his face.

My answer get cut off by Mase "We're starting without you two." He calls out and without a second thought, I grap his hand "Come on Caleb, let's eat first." hushing him up.

He in return intertwines his fingers with mine, and I bite my lip as we make our way towards the dining table which now has all sorts of delicious food placed on it.

These feelings with Caleb need to be stopped before they consume me whole, I have to sort out whatever I had with Danny first.

Caleb sits to my right while Noah occupies the seat to my left, each of us piling our plates with food, raising a toast to the captains, one of whose hand only leaves mine to begin eating.

With its absence comes the absence of warmth and comfort.

I need to sort my feeling out before I get tangled in them and it's too late.

*^*^*^*^*

Our marvellous lunch is followed by a long game of Uno and good conversation.

I now lie comfortably on the couch beside a curious Caleb, a sleeping Coco in his lap, he passed the test with flying colours. Tris was outraged when the feline rubbed her head against Caleb's leg, she's been by his side since.

I'd ogle the sight of a lazy Caleb stroking a sleeping kitten in his lap more had he not been eyeing the congruency tattoo on my left wris curiously, I'm worried he'll ask about the meaning behind it any second.

Aaron and I had gotten matching congruency tattoos on our birthday. Same but different. We had wanted to get it for sometime and were in love with the end product, the reaction was in complete opposition to Mother's.

My lips twitch thinking about the meltdown she'd had.

To my right lies a widely grinning Tris, no doubt thinking about whatever he has planned for us.

This is the most fun i've had since the incident and having all my friends here makes me realise how lucky and blessed I am to have loving individuals like them in my life.

Tris stretches, standing up and beckoning me to join him, at first I refuse, not wanting to give up my comfortable position. His eyes widen a bit, trying to convey a messege to me and I instantly perk up.

A light touch over my wrist-over my tattoo-makes me to look back at an inquisitive Caleb.

"Be right back." is my reply, following Tris to where his phone is placed and along the way he grabs Ash's arm, pulling her with us.

Her eyes widen as soon as she realises what's about to come next.

"When I change the song, consider it your cue." Tris whispers once all three of us are out of earshot. I snicker earining a glare from Ash and quickly sober up, holding my hands up in surrender.