They were kissing. Em and Luke were actually kissing and Em was actually responding.

What the fuck is happening?!

Em doesn't have feelings for Luke, she can't.

I had followed her up after a while because I was going to apologize to her for being such a dick with Dale, the thought that she was going to share her past with him ignited a jealously that was so common lately whenever Em was involved.

Why the fuck am I so jealous when she is involved?!

It was my fault she was with Luke anyway, so does that mean it's my fault that they kissed and now she may or may not have feelings for him.

Fuck this.

I walk downstairs, I see her mom but she just gives me a questioning look but doesn't say anything. I had seen Rebecca and Robert walk in with what looked like groceries, we said our hellos and then they disappeared into the kitchen, presumably to unpack the shopping.

I smile at Rebecca, and she smiles back before walking back into the kitchen to probably finish unpacking the groceries with Robert and I walk outside and sit on a chair under the shade.

Were they really kissing because of me? Did I just ruin everything?

My thoughts get cut off when I see Luke and Em return, I see Luke say something to her but I can't hear him. By the looks of it, I didn't need to because seconds later she's squealing happily and jumping in his awaiting arms.

Is that seriously all it took for her to develop feelings for Luke? I guess it was expected, they're perfect for each other after all, ask anyone.

I walk out further so it didn't seem like I was eavesdropping on their conversation, and not a minute too soon because straight after I sit back down on my previous sun chair, they walk out looking exceptionally happy with Eli.

Eli runs over to Miles, they look just as happy as Luke and Em. I roll my eyes at my stupidity, they belong together. I remember when she told me that she wanted adventure and that's why she would never go with Luke but she probably grew out of it. The nice girl usually ends up with the nice guy anyway.

I don't know what I expected, her to eventually feel the same way for me that I did for her? I'm a fucking pathetic dumbass. Of course she would end up with Luke, they've been through so much together.

I feel cold water droplets splash me and it breaks me out of my thoughts, Toby had walked over to me and shook out his wet hair. I don't know how long I was out of it because now Charlie, Blake, Luke, Miles and Eli were in the pool. Em was sitting with Dale and they looked to be deep in thought about something, I wonder how Luke felt about their proximity. I know I didn't like it.

"You good?" Toby asks as he sits down beside me.

I don't even bother faking it; "I saw Em and Luke kissing."

"What?" Toby asks, shocked.

I roll my eyes angrily at myself.

"I could have sworn he was getting over her, he even seemed to be moving on with another member of the trio," Toby says, I follow his gaze and see them focus on Charlie.

Toby thinks Luke likes Charlie? How have I not noticed this? Out of the guys, I was definitely the most observant one, followed closely by Carter but even Toby was pretty observant.

I'd have to keep my out for that, I had been so distracted with Em that I didn't even notice. I knew that I was pretty observant but I was also very aware that often my emotions get in the way of noticing some things. Does this mean that Luke and Em weren't together?! It would explain why she and Dale were all cozy now. But then why would she kiss Luke? I knew her well enough to know she wouldn't lead him on just because.

I'm once again lost in my thoughts when a low whistle from Toby gains my attention, I look up and instantly wish I didn't. There was Em in her tiny bikini, her clothes thrown messily on Dale's chair with his.

For a second I find it hard to breathe, I knew that Em had a killer body, I had seen her in tight dresses and not much clothing but seeing her in a bikini seemed to hit different. I had seen lots of females naked bodies, but I had never seen one that made me react so strongly. Katherine always had a killer figure, but it seemed that Em even beat that. I don't mean to be an ass but I can't help it.

She was standing beside a shirtless Dale comfortably and I find myself wishing he wasn't as muscular as was, I knew I was more muscular but I knew he was pretty fit and I hated the fact that Em was standing beside him, probably ogling over his body like so many other girls would.

"I know she's my best friend but holy fuck man you chose a good one, a personality like she has and a body like that." Toby whistles.

I find myself glaring at him slightly, it almost seemed like he had feelings for her. I quickly turn back to look at Em, Dale was smirking and Em was giving him a pointed look.

Em goes to stand at the edge of the pool, Dale still standing at the pool chairs with a mischievous look in his eyes. Jealousy stirs in my stomach at whatever he was planning before he even makes the move.

He begins running full speed towards Em and practically tackles her into the pool, she shrieks and everyone bursts out laughing but me, even Toby was finding it hard to breathe.

I roll my eyes again, the jealousy still not subsiding. Is she with Luke or Dale?!

Eli gives Dale an enthusiastic high-five as Em emerges, splashing Dale but still laughing.

"Come on man, you can't sit here sulking all day. Go and at least try to get your girl." Toby rolls his eyes.

I just roll my eyes at him and unlock my phone, I had no desire to swim with them and watch Luke, Blake, Dale, Carter and even Toby ogle over her. I know I was acting like Mia and Ellie when they both want to be the teacher when they played schools, but I couldn't help it. Luke and Em made out because of me. I practically forced the girl I'm crushing on to make out with one of the many guys that were crushing on her.

I scroll through my phone for around 10 minutes when I feel a presence beside me, I look up and my heart begins to beat faster when I'm face to face with a very wet, bikini-clad Em.

I give her a questioning look, trying very hard to stop my eyes from wondering.

"Why aren't you swimming with us?" She asks softly.

I shrug, "don't feel like it." Okay so now I was being petty.

She gives me a questioning look, probably not accustomed to me using this short tone with her out of all people. "Are you okay?"

"Peachy, I won't ask you." I reply, still being short.

Her eyes widen at my tone.

"Aiden what the fuck?" she asks.

"Why didn't you tell me you were with Luke?" I find myself asking, in the same cold tone.

Her eyebrows shoot up and her mouth parts slightly; "what?"

I roll my eyes and look straight ahead at all my friends and Dale swimming around happily, Dale and Charlie were sitting on the steps talking quietly about something, while everyone else was either trying to do flips into the pool, or judging those who were trying.

"You saw, it was you who left the door open." Emily realizes. I knew she was talking about her and Luke kissing.

My silence answers her rhetorical question.

"You know you could just ask me what happened." Emily rolls her eyes, beginning to get frustrated, and rightfully so.

"No need, it's pretty obvious," is my immediate reply, but I regret it as soon as I see the hurt flash through her eyes.

She doesn't say anything but looks at me with a shocked expression.

"Sorry Collins, I just thought we were friends and that you'd tell me." I immediately backtrack.

"We are friends, and I would tell you if anything changed between us but it hasn't." She replies softly.

I give her a questioning look, I saw them kiss.

"I had never kissed him back, he's my best friend and I just want him to be happy so when he begged me to kiss him just so he could see what it felt like, I obliged." She says.

I suddenly feel very guilty, I don't get why she'd kiss him just because she cared about him and he asked her to, but I knew how genuine she was.

"I'm sorry Collins," I say, I was a douche to her, and although I don't understand her reasoning, it wasn't what I thought it was.

"It's fine, just ask me next time before getting all annoying." She laughs, I chuckle with her but nod in agreement.

Before either of us can say anything else, Rebecca walks out.

"Good, you're both here." She says. Em and I look at her, waiting for her to elaborate.

"Aiden, your mom is here with the girls because they want to go for a swim, can you guys take one each, Emmy you're the one that Mia asked for." My mother asks. I feel my heart warm at the fact that the adorable little girl asked for me and agree instantly. Aiden smiles at me, and my heart almost melts.

Earlier Dale was trying to get me to come over to see what was Aiden's problem but I refused because I thought I was being needy, but of course he was just upset when he thought I didn't tell him about Luke, friends tell each other these things after all.

It didn't matter now anyway, I was just so happy that everything was okay between us. I didn't want him to cut me off again.

Aiden and I follow my mother into the living room where Angela, Mia and Ella were. As soon as Mia sees me she runs over to me; "Emmy!!" She yells, hugging me.

"Hey princess." I smile at the adorable little girl.

"Thank you so much Em, she refused to go with anyone else but you or Aiden," Angela rolls her eyes as she pulls me into a soft embrace.

"That's absolutely fine, I love how she's comfortable with me." I grin at the gorgeous women.

My mother smiles fondly at me and I can't help but feel proud.

"Hiya mama," Aiden says, kissing her mother on the cheek who just smiles at him. I resist the urge to 'awe' at their cuteness.

"You guys want to go to the pool?" I smile.

Mia shrieks excitedly and even Ellie nods vigorously.

I laugh at the girls and walk towards the pool holding Mia's hand. Aiden following behind.

The girls were already in their swimsuits, so Aiden just took off his shirt and throws it on a pool chair. I resist the urge to ogle at his torso, it's not like I hadn't seen it before, in fact, I think I've seen it more than any other girl and that's really saying something.

Mia pulls me down and I lower to her level so she can whisper in my ear; "can we push Aiden in?"

I laugh at the mischievous look in her eye and agree instantly. Mia runs over to Ella and tells her, she nods enthusiastically and Aiden gives me a questioning look at the whispering, I just shrug innocently.

"Oh my god they're so cute!!" I hear Dale yell as soon as he sees Mia and Ella, Mia instantly hides behind me while Ella grabs onto Aiden's hand.

"You scared them asshole," Charlie scolds Dale.

"Language babe, there are children present," Dale shoots back. Charlie laughs and jumps onto his back.

I roll my eyes laughing, love em or hate em.

"Hey little ladies," Toby waves, surprisingly, both Mia and Ella come out of hiding and wave excitedly at Toby. I look at him in surprise, these girls were scared of everyone here but me and Aiden, or so I thought.

"I've known them their whole lives, they love me." Toby winks.

"It's true, they're comfortable around Blake and me, but I think that sometimes they even prefer Toby of Aiden." Carter sighs. I laugh.

"Yeah!! When Toby and Aiden play schools with me and Ella, Toby's always my favorite student!!" Mia enthuses. I burst out laughing while I picture Aiden and Toby playing schools while Mia and Ella are the teachers.

I see Aiden blush very lightly and my laugh just heightens. Eventually, Aiden smirks his confident smirk and leans over the girls to whisper in my ear; "Toby may be the favorite student but I'm the hottest."

I laugh again while everyone gives us questioning looks. We had everyone's full attention as soon as we brought out the girls.

Without saying anything, Aiden saunters confidently towards the pool edge feel the water temperature. I get the girls eye and yell; "now!!" On my cue the girls and I run over to Aiden to push him in the pool, he tries to stable himself but he eventually topples in.

Everyone bursts out laughing as he re-emerges and I can barely stand I'm laughing so much.

Aiden climbs back out of the pool with a mischievous smirk on his face; "who wants a hug?"

He eyes Mia, Ella and me and starts chasing around the shrieking twins. I laugh as the girls run, their older brother chasing them at a much slower pace than he could run to give them a chance. Everyone laughs at the adorable sight, and once again I internally melt.

Aiden would be such a good father and coming from me, that's one of the best compliments I can give.

Eventually Aiden 'catches' the girls and hugs them, they shriek happily and Aiden whispers something in their ear, they nod and giggle and I already know what the plan was.

I was still a little wet so when Aiden and the girls start chasing me I run away for the benefit of the girls, Aiden stays a little back and I quickly let the girls catch me. Even Ella hugs me excitedly, I smile at how cute they were.

"Now!!" The girls yell excitedly, everyone was still laughing and I find myself wondering why the girls shouted now, was there another part of the plan?

Aiden suddenly moves towards me and scoops me up in his arms, I squeal on instinct and the girls shriek excitedly, everyone in the pool begins to hoot and holler, cheering Aiden on.

My eyes widen at what I knew was inevitable, I was about to go swimming by force for the second time today. I know I said I was still a little wet, but it was really only my swimmers, hair and little droplets. I was NOT ready to get thrown in the pool.

"Aiden!!" I yell, squirming in his arms. "Let me go!!!"

"Okay," Aiden smirks before he lets go of me and I fall into the pool, the water engulfing me. I emerge and glare at Aiden who was still smirking, the girls were still shrieking excitedly and everyone else was laughing at the whole series of events that just happened.

Assholes.

***

It was now about 5 and everyone had just left apart from Toby who was staying the night for our TVD marathon, and Aiden and his family. My hair had dried and I had put on my clothes over my swimmers, Aiden had put his plain black shirt back on and Toby had gotten changed into trackies and a plain blue shirt which I assume was his pajamas.

I had just come back from the bathroom and Aiden was sitting on a barstool to the side of the kitchen, while everyone else was sat on the kitchen stools.

"Em come over here," Angela waves me over. I instantly walk towards her to see her with a camera in her hands. "Aiden has pictures of his friends on his dresser and I want to add one of you guys," she says.

I look at Aiden and he looks just as surprised as me at his mother's request, we get eye contact and he shrugs in agreeance, my mother and Toby both nod as well. I walk over to him and see he's still on the stool, so I stop behind him and instinctively lean down to wrap my left arm loosely around his neck and then put my other arm over his arm and shoulder. My hair falls over my right arm and I smile at the camera.

I couldn't ignore how comfortable and natural the position felt, and even found it surprisingly hard to release him when Ang finished taking pictures.

I wondered why I had never seen any of the pictures on his dresser, I had been in his room before but the only picture I remembered was the one of that stunning blonde and him on his bedside table.

I made a mental note to ask him who that stunning girl was and also to see the other pictures when I got a chance.

"Okay kids, we should go and have dinner. Thank you Em for the photos," Ang smiles. Both Ella and Mia pout but stand up from where they were playing with Toby.

"Are you sure you don't want to stay for dinner? We can order in." My mother offers for about the millionth time.

"No, it's okay, I couldn't. Toby, make sure you drop in before you go home tomorrow," Ang gives him a warning look, he jokingly salutes but stands up to give her a hug anyway.

Both of the girls give me a hug before Ang does. She tells me to come and visit her sometimes. I walk over to Aiden and give him a hug before he winks at me one last time and follows his family out.

"She is just so lovely," my mother says to no one in particular. I nod in agreement anyway. Robert had a late shift so he wouldn't be home for a while, but my mother wanted to order in pizza. I briefly remember Aiden saying that pizza was his favorite and then scold myself for thinking about him when he left not even a minute ago.

"Let's watch the Vampire Diaries and take a good look at this Damon you keep going on about," Toby says, my mother laughs and Eli rolls his eyes at the constant mention of the hottest TV show character in the world.