~ Four ~

I almost passed his flat building. It took a lot just for me to pull into the parking garage. I stepped out of the car and locked it, pocketing my keys. My heart was beating faster than normal as I traveled the well known steps to his flat. Once I reached the door, I hesitantly knocked against the wood. I held my breath, praying he wasn't home.

"Taz?" A disheveled Tristan answered the door just as I was about to head back to my car. His hair was a complete mess, the brown strands sticking up in all directions. The crystal eyes I adored so much were bloodshot.

"Hey, Tris." I played with my hands. I didn't meet his eyes.

"Did you need something?" He asked, not unkindly.

"I just thought we should talk before you leave." I hesitated, now that I was here, I was unsure about what I should do or say.

"Uh, yeah. Come in." Tristan swung the door open all the way before turning and heading down the hall. I followed behind him. "Want a cuppa? I was making myself one when you came."

"Sure," I replied with a shrug before settling down at his kitchen counter. I rested my chin on my hands as I watched him bustle around the kitchen. It was a few minutes of awkward silence before he placed a steaming hot mug of English tea in front of me.

"How you been?" Tristan asked as he settled onto the stool next to mine.

"I've been okay." I sighed. "Listen, Tris, I didn't mean anything I said-"

"Yeah, you did." Tristan cut me off, but not rudely. "I thought about what you said. You were right, I just didn't want to admit it. I've been blinded by my stardom. I haven't been there at all for you with your new book. You know how proud I am of you for accomplishing that? So what you said was true."

"Why...why haven't you called or anything?" I asked a bit hesitantly.

"I needed time to just think. I'm sorry, I should have texted you or something.." He trailed, his shoulders slumping a bit.

"I'm sorry," I placed my hand on top of his. His eyes met mine and I smiled softly.

"I told you, it was all true."

"Not all of it. You're not selfish, you're one of the most caring people I've ever met. I spoke out of anger and that was wrong of me." I disagreed. 

Oh great, if we continued this way.. We'd be in another fight within ten minutes. This time about who was 'wrong.'

"Let's agree we were both a bit out of context and drop the subject, aye?" Tristan suggested with a half-smile.

"Agreed. So, the weather's been a bit down lately," I said with a smirk.

"It's London, it's always depressing weather." Tristan teased before sipping at his tea. I followed his example, taking a small drink. Tristan's tea had always been my favorite; it had just the perfect amount of sugar and milk. 

We sat in a companionable silence for a few moments. I felt free--I no longer had the stress of our friendship resting on my shoulders. I should have known it'd take a heck of a lot more to destroy our friendship.

"What were you up today?" Tristan asked quietly. He didn't ask to get rid of the silence, he seemed like he actually wanted to know.

"Met with my publisher. Looks like it'll be out on the 26th." My lips turned upwards at my words. 

My book. Something I wrote. Something I could be proud of, and something I could take complete credit for.

"Wow, that's a week away! I can't wait! It's going to be amazing, Taz." Tristan gave me a bright, honest-to-goodness smile.

"Thanks, Tris." I smiled back, my hear soaring. "I should probably head back, Mariah will be wondering where I am."

"Do you have to?" Tristan whined as I stood up. 

I ruffled his hair fondly. "Yes, I have to. You should get some sleep, you look like hell."

"Thanks, bestie." His arms crossed and he gave me a pout.

I laughed, "No problem. I'll see you later."

"I leave in two days. Let's have dinner tomorrow night." Tristan suggested, standing up so he was a bit taller than me.

"Text me about it," I replied. I gave him another smile before turning on my heel. I felt his arm reach out and grab my shoulder, turning me around and his arms enveloped around me. My cheek was pressed against his chest in one of his famous Haynes hugs. I waited for him to let go, but he didn't. "Are you going to let me go?"

"Nope. Never, ever. Don't want to lose you again." I could hear the smirk in his voice as we embraced.

"That'd be a bit difficult to explain to people." I chuckled, the sound being muffled against his t-shirt.

"True." He loosened his arms and I wiggled my way out. "If you come to dinner tomorrow, I'll pay."

"Deal."

~'~'~

"I don't think you should leave," I stood at the terminal at the airport, trying my best to keep my voice light and teasing. Because I knew, I knew he couldn't stay. This was his life now. The entire world knew his name and I knew he couldn't let down their fans. It didn't matter how selfish I wanted to be, this was his job. 

"I wish I could take you with me." He replied, arm resting on my shoulder in a casual way. 

I turned to look up at him. With his sandy brown hair that fell across his forehead in the most perfect way, the defined jaw that had a bit of stubble scattered across it, the adorable nose that I just wanted to kiss. "If I didn't have promotion for my book to do, you know I wouldn't leave your side. Which would actually probably get annoying."

"You're never annoying!" He stated sarcastically. "But seriously. Text or call me if you need anything. I'll take care of the phone bill, alright?"

"Don't worry, I'll take care of her. So long as she takes care of me. We'll go out and have some girl dates, while texting you about all the fun you're missing out on." Jordan jumped into our conversation, James arm protectively around the small red-head's waist.

Oh, how I was jealous of their relationship. I wish Tristan and I could be like that. 

"You two don't go crazy, alright?" James warned the both of us, his head bobbing up and down.

Marcus, their drummer, let out a laugh. "Mate, you do realize it's Tatiana and Jordan we're talking about, right? Because, dude, they can't go crazy if they're already crazy."

"He's got a point there," Jordan poked James' side. 

"Oh, yeah, because your girlfriend is totally sane." Tristan shot back. Then he turned to the short haired girl beside Marcus. "No offense, Jeneva."

"None taken. After all, I'm pretty far from normal. Now, you three are going to miss your flight if you keep talking. And Joey would not be too happy about that. So get your butts to your gate." Jeneva pressed a kiss to Marcus' cheek.

"See you in a month, Taz." Tristan gripped me tightly into a hug. I breathed him in, realizing I wouldn't be able to have a hug like this for four weeks. I tried to memorize everything.

"Don't go throwing TV's out of hotel rooms, you hear?" I teased as I leaned on to his shoulder.

Why couldn't he see that we fit together perfectly?

~ Just a head's up, this is a short story. Which mean there's only about two chapters left. Vote and comment! Love you :) ~