Burning Slowly

burning slowly

The pub wasn't as crowded as other times. But to be fair, Ross had never came on a Wednesday night before.

After more than five days holed up in the studio, George couldn't take it anymore. They had to go out for a drink or he'd take off wherever the hell Charli was and they wouldn't see him for a week. Matty playfully asked him if he was going to leave for Florida and George just rolled his eyes. This was pretty serious.

Ross was also starting to feel the pressure from the demands of the new album. He could feel the tension in the room, in the demeanor of the guys. He needed a break too. Needed to get out of the studio, feel the fresh air on his face and forget for a few hours the madness their lives had become these past weeks.

More than anything, he needed to see you. Be with you.

He missed the warmth of your hand in his and looking into your eyes while hearing the soft sound of your voice telling him how everything's gonna be alright, no matter what.

So he can't help but smile when your laughter echoes through the walls of this pub. Matty and George are sitting in front of you, most likely talking crazy shit. But he can't quite focus on what they're saying because he can't take his eyes off you.

Over there at the back table, it's like you're shining.

There is a light in you that comes from within. And it attracted him from the very first moment he saw you. The way you move, the way you speak, how you left everything behind after getting his call (“Of course I’ll go! I’ll go wherever you are right now. I miss you like crazy, baby”). Light, light, light.

"Here you go, mate."

The voice of the bartender snapped Ross out of his reverie and handed him the pints he ordered.

When he approached the table, Adam got up to help him with the glasses he was carrying.

"You look delighted,” Adam said quietly, raising his eyebrows and smiling a little smile.

Caught. Whatever. He's too far gone to try and hide it now.

“More like an idiot but it is what it is, I guess," Ross smiled back while sitting beside you.

When you felt his presence, paying attention to Matty and George became a difficult task. Especially when Ross got really close to you, his denim rubbing your leg.

God only knows how much you've missed him.

You looked at him and noticed that he was already watching you, adoring crinkly eyes just for you. Without needing to say a word he made all the nights missing him when you went to bed and the lonely breakfasts in the morning fade away. If you could, you'd kiss him square on the mouth right now. But with this audience, you settle for a touch of your lips on his cheek.

"Oh, fuck me! I know you can do better than that," Matty practically shouts and George just looks at him funny before looking at you and Ross again. "It's true! I've seen the two of them when they think nobody's watching."

"You're a creep."

You hardly register who made the comment because a very animated Ross has put his hand on your thigh now and is playing with the hem of your skirt. So, again, you have to pretend you're not affected by this and really focus on the conversation. You don't miss the cheeky grin he's sporting while drinking his beer though.

"Anyway, we're glad you could join us tonight," Adam said to you courteously.

"Especially that one!" Matty pointed at Ross across the table, smirking.

"Very glad," Ross blushed a little and whispered only to you, "thank you for coming, love."

Dropping the shy act rather quickly, Ross pressed his thumb under the hem this time and felt the softness of your skin with little swipes. You think he's just testing you at this point. Being this bold while his friends are present, after days of not being with each other.

Or maybe he's burning. Just like you.

While pondering on this, you noticed George is waving at the door at the front of the pub and more of the band is arriving. Soon you'll need to find a bigger tabl–

"Come here," Ross lifted you and put you on his lap with ease. You were a bit shy and to be honest a little turned on so you gave him a funny expression, at least that's what he thought. All while trying to look innocent and keep up the charade. "More people are coming. Should we not make room?"

"We should," you said while putting your arms around his shoulders. And since him and much less you won't let this go, you put your face close to his and whispered. "Are you cracking, my love?"

With one hand over your thigh and the other holding your hip, he grinned seductively. "Maybe I am".

You gave him a lingering kiss, on the lips this time, feeling drunk on the booze and the feeling of his hands on you after so many days.

"Do you get to go home tonight?" you asked hopefully.

He melted inside and gave you a long lustful look.

"Definitely."