To his surprise, a few flakes of snow were falling. Some of them landed in Declan’s dark hair, and Oliver ruffled it.
‘I don’t feel cold,’ Declan said, staring with wonder at the snow falling in the little space left between them. His eyes refocused on Oliver. ‘I love you.’
Oliver couldn’t stop himself from smiling every time Declan said those words, even though he’d heard them thousands of times already. ‘I love you too.’
‘We’re gonna be late.’
Oliver stepped out of the hotel bathroom, a tie in one hand and a comb in the other. ‘I’m nearly ready,’ he said, trying to smooth his hair into a presentable state and failing.
Declan grabbed the tie from his hand. ‘You’re hopeless, you know that?’ he asked wryly, looping the tie around Oliver’s neck and making quick work of the knot. Oliver watched his fingers move at the collar, blinking at him in amazement. ‘I do know things,’ Declan grumbled, and Oliver kissed him.
His phone vibrated as they pulled apart. ‘Probably Maeve wondering where the hell we are,’ he said, grabbing the phone off the side table. He laughed as he skimmed the messages. ‘Will and Georgia are absolutely eviscerating you in the group chat right now.’
Declan sighed. ‘I don’t know why you insist on sending blackmail material of me to our mates.’ Oliver had managed to snag an incriminating video of Declan on stage the night before, saving the moment for posterity.
He pulled Declan in for another kiss, feeling the drag of his stubble as he pressed closer, tasting the toothpaste he’d used that morning. He looped his arms around Declan’s neck, grinning stupidly when Declan’s hands circled his waist.
‘We’re going to be late,’ Oliver said as Declan leaned in, mouthing at his neck and the sensitive corner of his jaw.
‘Let’s skip it,’ Declan said, bringing his lips across Oliver’s cheeks. ‘Niall and Stella won’t miss us.’
Oliver paused, considering. ‘Actually, they might be too wrapped up in each other to notice.’
Declan pressed a kiss to his lips. ‘Exactly what I’m saying.’
‘Unfortunately,’ Oliver said, ‘Jack will have no qualms with ratting us out, once he realises we’re skiving. The traitor.’
Declan groaned as his jacket pocket vibrated. ‘That’s Holly,’ he said, declining the call. ‘Let’s go.’
The party was taking place in the garden of their bed and breakfast, so it took little time for them to twist through the corridors and make it outside.
‘Bloody Stella,’ Declan muttered, stuffing his hands under the arms of his wool coat. Only Stella would think to have a party on the spring solstice, when it was still freezing outside.
‘Here,’ Oliver said, retrieving a pair of gloves from his pocket for Declan.
Declan looked at him in wonder. ‘You’re a miracle.’
‘Icheck the weather forecast,’ Oliver said, spotting a large tent by the edge of the woods.
As they entered the tent, Oliver looked around for Niall and Stella, but couldn’t spot them in the crowd.
‘Oi!’ someone shouted from their left. Oliver turned and saw Jack, Maeve, Holly and Owen shivering in their coats. He and Declan joined them, exchanging hugs. ‘We’re planning on getting plastered,’ Holly said.
‘Oh?’ Declan asked, cocking his head.
‘It’s the best kind of winter coat,’ Jack explained.
‘And you know, hair of the dog, and such,’ Maeve said, with a wince.
‘I’d best catch us up, then,’ Declan said, squeezing Oliver’s hand before letting it go. ‘G&T for you?’
‘Please,’ he said. As Declan left them, Oliver turned to Holly. ‘I never got to ask you last night – how are things in Manchester?’
‘Great,’ she replied animatedly. Oliver thought she might be a few drinks in already. ‘Though this one keeps trying to get me to move to London.’ She rolled her eyes in Owen’s direction.
‘We’ll wear you down eventually,’ Oliver said cheerfully, slapping Owen on the shoulder.
‘Hey,’ a familiar voice greeted from behind them. Oliver turned to see Eavie, stunning as ever, with a familiar-looking man at her side. Oliver peered at him for a moment, trying to place him, before bending down to give Eavie a hug.
