The City (Joe Sugg/ ThatcherJoe Fanfiction)

Chapter 43

"You don't have to look after me, you know that, right?" Joe says as I hand him another glass of water and some ibuprofen that I found in the bottom of one of the kitchen drawers.

I chuckle, "You didn't seem to think that last night."

He smiles sheepishly, "I was off my face. I don't even remember half the things I said." Well, let's hope his final question of the night comes under the forgotten category.

It's not that I don't want to paint a picture of him it's just that I'm not really sure if I can.

"You'll look after me. Won't you?" I mock him, laughing at my bad impression of Joe.

He smiles, "I don't sound like that. I didn't mean it anyway. It's my own fault I have a hangover."

I smile back at him, "But I meant it when I said I would. Anyway, you're allowed to have fun. God knows you don't get to have much fun with me.." I say as I get up and gather the empty glasses from beside the bed.

"What do you mean?" I look back to find him frowning as he watches me.

I shrug, "I just mean, you don't get to go out and have fun. You're stuck in this stupid apartment with me."

He sits up suddenly in the bed wincing as he does so. "I have plenty of fun with you. You're being ridiculous Riley."

I sigh, "But, wouldn't you rather be out with your friends? Partying and having fun like you would if you actually had a girlfriend your age."

"I don't want a girlfriend my age. I just want you." he says quietly, his expression is hurt. "I don't need to go out to have fun. There are plenty of fun things to do that don't involve drinking."

"I saw how happy you were last night. I shouldn't hold you back from that."

"Are you trying to say that I shouldn't come here?" he asks, waving his hands in the air around him. "Because you can't stop me."

I shake my head, "No! Of course not. I just- you shouldn't have to spend every weekend here. We barely even do anything. I bet you can't name three good things we have done together."

"Paint balling." he says, flicking up one finger, "Dinner in the park." he continues, putting up another finger. "Oh, and you took me to fucking New Zealand!" he says loudly, rubbing his temple when he remembers his hangover.

"Th-that's not the point." I say defensively.

Joe chuckles, "Just give up you muppet. I win."

I frown, "This isn't over." I say as I head back towards the door.

"Ooh, I'm scared." Joe says sarcastically as I flip him off, earning a laugh from him.

The age gap between us hasn't really bothered me until now. I feel so bad because we can't go out clubbing together like a normal couple because I am too young and Joe shouldn't have to sit here and watch movies with me every weekend. He should be off enjoying his youth while he has it.

Six years is a big gap and drinking laws just seem to make it seem even more than it really is.

Although, I'll be 17 next week. That's another year closer. I just hope Alfie doesn't remember that it's my birthday because I don't really want anyone to make a fuss. I haven't bothered to tell Joe because then I am guaranteed maximum attention.

"Did Joe drink too much last night too?" Zoe asks me as I enter the kitchen and rinse out the glasses.

I nod, "Yeah. He has a massive hangover."

Zoe laughs, "Just leave him. He was stupid enough to drink too much in the first place. It's his own problem."

"Is Alfie still in bed?" I change the subject, not wanting to have the same argument with Zoe that I just had with her brother.

"Yeah." she hesitates for a moment. "Are you two okay? I heard you bickering when I walked past your room."

I smile slightly at her. She's so sweet and I can't lie to her. "It's nothing important really. I just feel like Joe shouldn't have to be here every weekend. He needs to hang out with his friends."

Zoe surprises me by laughing, "He doesn't have to be here. He wants to be here Riley. I have never seen my brother look at anyone the way he looks at you. He really does love you."

I lean back against the counter, "You think so?"

Zoe smiles and nods, "I know so."

I smile back at her, "Thank you so much Zoe."

"Anytime!" she responds as she gets up from her seat and grabs a notebook from the counter, "Now. Down to business. Your birthday. What do you want to do?" she asks me excitedly.

I groan, "Alfie told you? I wasn't planning on doing anything."

Zoe's face falls, "Please!! I really want to throw you a party. We can hire a place and have cake and games and decorations.. A band! It'll be amazing."

I frown. I really don't want to make a big deal out of it. My birthdays have always been non-events because my parents usually work and it's never been an issue.

"Please Riley? Joe wants to have a party."

Great. Joe knows too. 

I sigh, "Fine. But nothing too fancy."

Zoe grins and pulls me in for a tight hug. "This is going to be great! We're probably going to be pushed to find a good band in such a short time frame bu-"

"I can ask my friend if he's doing anything. He has a great band." I interrupt her.

"Of course. Also, invite your friends from school and let me know if you want any of the YouTubers to come.."

"Invite whoever you want Zoe. You plan the party."

Zoe hashes out a few more details for me before I am shooed from the room to call to see if my friend is available.

He answers on the second ring.

"Hello?" he says as I hear voices in the background, the other guys no doubt.

"Hey Michael! It's Riley." I say as I nervously pick at my sweater. I don't want him to say no because we barely know each other.

I hear him shush the guys before responding. "Hey! Sorry I didn't get to talk to you after the show. I wasn't allowed to. What's up?"

"I- um. My friend is throwing me a birthday party next weekend and I was wondering if perhaps you guys would be available to play? We can pay you."

"Birthday huh? We would love to! Don't worry about money. It can be your present."

I smile as relief washes through me, "Are you sure? I mean, I know you guys are busy.."

I hear him chuckle, "Of course. Of course. It would be an honour."

"Thank you so much! I owe you one."

"I'll remember that."

We say our goodbyes and the line cuts off. I am actually really excited now. I haven't been able to get their lyrics out of my head and seeing them again is going to be brilliant!

"So..?" Zoe asks as I walk back into the room.

I grin, "They're in."

A/N

Didn't even take me a day to update this time :P

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