A.N// hooray for another update wooooo
also SUPER IMPORTANT (a.n//) at the end so read it
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Kate's POV

It was about six in the evening when Luke and I set off for the city. We lived more on the outskirts of Sydney, so I never got to go much. Plus, my parents were almost always away, and that left no one to take me.

We were in the car when Luke's cell phone rang. He looked over to me and asked me to get it for him. I picked it up and I saw Michael's name flash across the screen. I answered, and my ear was met by loud yelling.

"Lucas!! Hi, mate! Are we still meeting at KFC in Sydney in thirty, or no?" He said, calming down by the end. I just laughed at his behavior. This was classic Michael.

"Hey, Mike. It's Kate, and yes we are. We're in route now. Where are you?" I responded.

I was so happy to be able to spend some time with my favorite boys. KFC would just be the start of a fabulous night.

"Oh, Hi Kate! We're walking around the city right now. We'll head over to the KFC in ten. Where's Luke?" he asked.

"He's driving beside me," I informed him, and Luke looked over to me winking. I spark shot down my spine, and I felt tingly all of a sudden.

I smiled back, blushing a little.

"He driving inside you? That's way too much information, Katherine," Michael scolded, completely mishearing what I said.

"No, Gordon. He's driving beside me," I stated more clearly.

"Oh!" he said loudly, making me pull the phone away from my ear. "That makes much more sense," he added.

"Somebody needs to cleanse your mind," I retaliated.

"My mind is clean! It's you who needs to get their brain washed out," he argued.

Michael was super hilarious and loud when he got worked up about something. His cheeks would turn bright red, and he'd say whatever he was thinking.

"I'm innocent, clearly," I said, not fully believing myself.

Luke looked over to me and placed his hand on my thigh, squeezing lightly.

"Sure you are, babe," he said, teasingly.

"Bye, Mike," I said quickly. Heat quickly rushed up my neck and to my cheeks, creating a deep red blush.

After a few moments of silence, Luke finally spoke up.

"What did he want?" he asked, keeping his eyes focused on the road.

"He just wanted to make sure our plans to meet at KFC were still on," I explained. He nodded and snuck a glance at me.

"Why are you blushing?" He questioned.

"Michael doesn't think I'm innocent," I confessed, smiling.

"That's because you're not, baby girl. I have it, remember?" He said peering over at me. I blushed even more as we pulled up to the KFC we were supposed to be meeting the boys at.
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We got out and walked in to find the boys sitting in a booth towards the back of the restaurant. We walked over, and I was soon attacked by three giants.

"Kate, oh my gosh! I've missed you so much, little sister," Ashton said, squeezing me tight. He pulled away and left a wet kiss on my forehead, only to pull me back in.

"Gross, Ash!" I exclaimed giggling. I pulled away, and Michael was next to greet me.

"Kate! How've you been, babe," he said pulling me into a bear hug. He rocked us back and forth dramatically, and Calum literally had to pry us apart.

"I've been doing pretty well, Mike," I said chuckling as Calum pulled me in for a hug as well.

"Hey, Kate," he said sighing. I looked up at him and frowned.

"Hi, Cal! What's wrong?" I replied, squeezing him tighter.

I could see it on his face that something was bothering him, but I couldn't quite put my finger on what. He was always so happy all the time, so I was confused.

"Nothing, I'm fine," he responded quickly. I could tell he was lying, but I decided to drop it.

"You better not be lying to me," I said sternly. He nodded, and I gave him a light peck on the cheek.

"Hey, it's not like I'm standing right here or anything," Luke said loudly. That got all of our attentions.

We ran over to where Luke was standing and tackled him into a group hug.

"Hi, Lucas. We still love you, even if you didn't show up to band practice," Ashton said giggling. We all laughed, but Luke just huffed.

After a few seconds, we all pulled away and sat down in our booth. It was one of those round booths where a lot of people could fit. Ashton was sitting next to Michael who was next Calum, and he was sitting next to Luke and I. I took a spot on the end.

"So, what are we going to order?" Michael spoke up.

"Let's get a bucket of fried chicken and two orders of large potato wedges for our sides," Ashton declared.

Since Ashton worked at KFC before, he knew about all of the good stuff, so every time we came, we let him pick.

"Okay. I'll go order it," I said, sliding out of the booth.

I walked up to the counter to order our food, but I stopped in my tracks when I saw a person I thought I'd never see again. Lexi.

I decided that I was going to keep it cool, for the sake of my friends having a good night. I carried on walking forward and stopped when I got a few inches away from the counter. Lexi looked up, and her eyes went wide.

Instead of reacting, I put a smile on my face, ready to order our food.

"Hi, I would like to order your ten piece bucket of drumsticks, two large sides of potato wedges, and five medium cups," I said, still smiling.

"Okay," she said logging my order onto her pad. "Your total is twenty-one forty-seven. Name?" she said with a straight face. Her customer service was awful, but maybe it was just because she knew me and didn't like me.

"Katherine," I responded blandly, handing her my cash. She handed me the five cups in return, and I walked off.
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Once I got back to the booth my friends and I were sharing, I gave them their cups. They all darted off to the drink machines except Calum. He just sat there staring at the table.

"Calum?" I called. He looked up at me and gave me a small smile.

"What's up?" He responded.

"That's what I'd like to know. What's wrong with you, and don't say you're fine because you and I both know that's a load of crap," I scolded. He sighed, before responding.

"I don't know, Kate. I guess I just have a lot on my plate," he confessed with a frown.

"What do you mean you have a lot on your plate?" I asked.

"I don't know. My mind has just been running wild lately," he said, head hung low.

"Why? With what?," I questioned.

"Fuck, I don't know. I'm still trying to figure that out myself," he mumbled.

Since Calum, wasn't telling me what was wrong, I couldn't help him. I decided to just wait until he was ready to talk about it and just do things to keep his mind in a different direction.

"Whatever it is, it'll be okay soon. Until then, let's go get our drinks," I said smiling.

He looked up at me just as I slipped out of the booth. He grabbed our cups, and I grabbed his hand, dragging him along to where the drink machines were located.

When we got there, I saw Michael filling his cup with a bunch of random drinks, making some odd concoction. Ashton was getting ice, still trying to decide on what he wanted to drink, and Luke was standing off to the side, sipping on whatever drink he had chosen.

Calum followed me to the empty drink machine, and he filled his cup with ice. I don't like ice in my drinks, so I just went straight over to the lemonade and pressed the button so it could flow into my cup.

After he got his desired amount of ice, he put some Coke in his cup, and we walked back over to the booth our friends were waiting for us at.

Five minutes later, Lexi called me over so I could pick up my food. I went to the counter and picked up our tray, carrying it back to the booth.

I slid into the booth next to Luke, and we all reached for a drumstick and dug in. He put his hand on my thigh and gave it a gentle squeeze. I looked up at him and he smiled. I smiled back.

I saw Calum lean over and whisper something in Luke's ear. He immediately removed his hand, and I looked at him frowning. Just as I was about to question his actions, Michael called my name.

"Kate, can you get us some ketchup please?" He asked, giving me puppy dog eyes.

"Yeah, I'll be right back," I said getting up from my seat.

I walked over to the counter to see Lexi standing behind a register, boredom plastered across her face. I cleared my throat to get her attention.

"Excuse me, can I get like four packets of ketchup please?" I asked politely.

She reached behind the counter and gave me just what I asked for. I smiled and walked away. I was half way back to the booth when Lexi called after me.

"Hey, Katherine!" She called.

I turned around and walked back over to where she was standing behind the counter. She smirked before I responded.

"Yeah," I said as soon as I reached where she was standing. She had an evil expression on her face, which only signaled danger. She leaned in close so no one could hear her but me.

"No wonder Thomas doesn't like you. You eat like a pig. Better luck next time, sweetie," she snarled.

My face paled, and my eyes welled up with tears. I felt like I was going to puke, but Lexi just laughed at me. My cheeks heated up with anger and frustration while Lexi cackled on. I had to leave.

I walked back over to our booth, ketchup in hand. Luke noticed me first and smiled, but I couldn't return the gesture. I put the packets on the table and raced for the door.

"Hey, where are you going?" Ashton called after me.

"I'll be right back," I said not turning around. I ran out of the door and to where Luke's car was parked. The air felt thick, and all of a sudden I couldn't breathe.

Leaned against his car, gasping for air. A single tear slipped down my face before I started choking on my own sobs. Thirty seconds later, I felt a strong pair of arms wrapped around me. I turned around and saw Luke. I just cried into his chest with him holding me tight.
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Luke's POV

I watched as Kate walked over to get the guys' ketchup, but Calum tapped me on the shoulder, averting my eyes from her.

"When are you going to tell her?" He asked just as I turned around.

"I'm not, so never," I responded blankly.

"What the hell do you mean you're never going to tell her? Are you stupid or crazy?" He replied furiously.

"Neither, mate. Let's put it this way, I can't tell her," I said staring straight into his eyes. He looked mad, but he didn't understand. He had no right.

"Why the fuck not?" He questioned huffing.

"It's complicated." I turned around when I heard Kate's name being called. She went back over to the counter and stood in front of a girl who had dark hair.

Minutes later, Kate was walking back with our ketchup. She looked up at me, and I smiled at her. Her cheeks were tinted pink, and she didn't smile back. She put the ketchup on the table and headed straight for the door.

"Hey, where are you going?" Ashton called after her.

"I'll be right back," she responded, not turning around. She exited the door, and I stood up, ready to go after her.

"Dude, where are you going?" Michael asked whilst stuffing his face with ketchup covered potato wedges.

"I'm going to go and check on Kate," I stated, ready to leave.

"Why?" Ashton questioned, raising his eyebrows.

"Because Ashton, she just ran out of the fucking restaurant and her face was red." I retaliated angrily.

"She said she'd be right back, mate. No need to get all bitchy about it." Ashton said. He grabbed another leg and took a big bite out of it.

"She was clearly upset. I'm going to go talk to her. Fuck you all," I snapped. I raised my middle finger to the three of them as I walked out of the fast food place.

When I got outside, I frantically searched for Kate. I didn't see her anywhere around, so I went to my car so I could drive around and look for her.

As soon as I got there, I saw her bent over my car gasping for air. I walked closer, and I heard her choking out sobs. Oh no. What did that cashier say to her?

I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her into my chest. We stayed like that for a while before she poked her head up.

"Do you want to talk about it?" I asked. She shook her head, signaling no. She asked me a question of her own soon after.

"Can you kiss me? It makes me forget about everything, and that's what I want right now," she said. She stared into my eyes, probably trying to read my mind.

I nodded, lowering my head so my lips could meet hers. A fire ignited inside of my body, and she opened her mouth a little, allowing me to slide my tongue in. We kissed for a good two minutes, before I pulled away.

She had tears stained on her cheeks, so I kissed them. She smiled, and I pecked her on the lips once more.

"All better?" I asked raising my right eyebrow. She giggle and nodded.

"Yeah, all better."

"Are you okay to go back inside, or do you want to go home?" I questioned.

"I want to go back inside," she said grabbing my hand. She pulled my arm around her and left a kiss to my jaw. I smiled and peck her on the cheek.

Once we got to the door, I pulled away and opened it, letting her walk in first. She thanked me and headed back over to our booth. She stood and waited for me to come over so she could resume her position on the end. Once I got there, I slipped in and she did after me. She was bombarded with questions.

"Kate, what happened? Are you okay?" Michael asked. His eyes looked worried, and his frown was prominent.

"I'm alright, just a small thing, but I'm better now, so it's okay," she replied smiling. Michaels face softened.

"Great because Luke over here was going bat shit crazy when you ran out. I'm glad you're okay," he added with a smile. I flipped him off, and he returned it. Calum stayed quiet.

"Really? Why?" She said giggling. She looked at me, and I just shrugged.

"You looked upset when you ran out. I just wanted to make sure you were okay," I replied giving her a crooked smile. A moment of silence went be before Calum spoke suddenly.

"There's a carnival right around the corner from here. Do you guys want to go?" He asked. Everyone looked his way, including Kate, and their eyes lit up. She turned to me, smiling wide.

"Luke, can we go please?" She begged, I nodded and she squealed. "Yay!"

"It's settled then. Let's head on over," Ashton announced. We all got up from the booth and went outside. I opened Kate's door for her, and I went around and got in on my side. I turned the car on and waited for a text from either of my band mates so I could follow them to the carnival.

"Are you sure you're okay?" I turned to Kate asking.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Lexi just said something really mean to me, but I'll get over it," she replied. She looked forward, tapping her fingers on her thighs to the same rhythm the song in the background was playing.

"Lexi?" I questioned before thinking about it. "As in Thomas and Lexi? She was the cashier?" I realized that's why she called Kate back over. She said something to her that made her cry. What the fuck?

"Yeah, that's her," Kate said lightly chuckling. "But I won't come here again, so I probably don't have to worry about seeing her anymore," she added. I just stared out of the window. I was so confused because one second Kate was gasping for air, choking on her on sobs, and the next, she was back to her normal self.

She looked over to me and pulled my face in between one of her hands. She kissed me, and I instantly relaxed.

"Don't worry about me. I'll be fine," she said kissing me again.

"Are you sure?" I asked hesitantly.

"Yes," she said smiling. She was about to kiss me again, but we were interrupted by a knock on the window. I looked up and saw Michael standing outside Kate's window. I rolled it down so I could hear what he was saying.

"What the fuck? Were you guys just kissing?" Michael asked raising his eyebrows.

"No!" We both said at the same time. Kate rapidly shook her head. He crossed his arms.

"Well then why were you leaned into him, cupping his face?" He questioned Kate.

"H-he was complaining about a pimple on his chin, and I was just looking at it," she stuttered. I tensed up when he opened his mouth again.

"Oh, well anyway, can I ride with you guys to the carnival. Ashton and Calum were fighting, and I don't need those negative vibes in my life," Michael stated dramatically. I sighed in relief.

"Yeah I guess, but we have to wait for them because I don't know where this place is," I told him. He hopped in the back seat started looking out of the window. "Why were they fighting?"

"I don't know actually. Calum was in a really bad mood, and Ashton was trying to get him to lighten up. Calum cursed him out, and Ashton scolded him for swearing," Michael said shrugging. He focused his attention outside the window again as I saw Ashton's car pull out of the parking lot.

I followed him, and we drove for a good ten minutes. I didn't touch Kate at all because Michael was in the backseat, and I didn't want him to ask questions. It could lead into something that I never wanted to let out. So since Calum was the only one who knew about my feelings for Kate, I decided to keep it that way until we were actually in a relationship.

We pulled in to the lot of the carnival, and there were tons of pretty lights accenting the rides and games. I was excited because I felt like this was Kate and I's first unofficial date. We all got out of the car, and we met Ashton and Calum at the stand so we could pay and get our wristbands.

Calum paid, then Ashton. I paid for myself and Kate, but Michael just stood there.

"Lukey, will you pretty please pay for me?" Michael asked, batting his eyelashes. Kate giggled.

"No," I said plainly.

"I've got you Mike," Kate said handing the person standing behind the glass eight dollars so Michael could get a wristband.

"Thank you, Kate!" Michael said jumping up and down. He hugged her and she laughed. "See Luke, why can't you be as nice as your girlfriend?" He said teasingly.

Heat rushed to my cheeks, and Kate choked and covered it up with a cough.

"Wait, you guys are in a relationship?" Ashton said soon realizing what Michael said before. Calum turned and looked at me.

"No, I'm just messing with them," Michael said chuckling. I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding and Kate looked at the ground.

"Oh, good. I got scared there for a second," Ashton said turning around. He walked into the carnival, and we all followed after him. We weren't too deep into the festivities when Calum tapped me on my shoulder, and I turned around locking eyes with him.

He leaned over and whispered in my ear. "We need to talk. It doesn't have to be now, but it's needs to be soon."

He walked away, leaving me to think about what he wanted to talk to me about all alone.
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A.N// i tried to make this exceptionally long, so it could last awhile btw I'll slap Lexi bc she's a bitch

this is just the calm before the storm *laughs evilly*

ALSO game plan: i won't update unless i have the chapter after the one i'm updating ready. that way i can start a new chap without worrying whether i'm gonna finish it by the time i told you guys i was going to update because i'll already have one ready

AND if i haven't updated in at least 3 days then i'll post the one i have read and i will start writing the next chap

LASTLY i get out for holiday on dec. 18 so i'm gonna be slaying the town and your heart with this story because i'll update really often AND i'll only double update (update twice in the same day; for those of you who didn't know what that was) if i have at least 3 chapters after the one i post, which i usually only have one so to have 3 extra means I've got a bunch of time on my hands lol

follow me on twit if you wanna be friends @zapmikerowave <3

love you all
-cam ;-)