Love Yourself (JB+AG)

[19]

Ariana

Sunday, 3:21 pm

"Ariana, wake up. It's over." Justin strokes my hair and I sigh, turning my head.

"What's over?" I mumble.

"The storm. It's over. It's not raining, just really wet."

"Yay!" I say sarcastically.

He laughs and I stand up.

"Where do you think you're going?" He asks.

"To the bathroom. I have to pee. Any other questions?"

"No. Have fun."

"Oh, I will!" I fake a smile and walk into the bathroom.

3:24 pm

"Did you have fun?" Justin asks.

"Oh, yeah. I had a blast!"

"One day, you're gonna stop being sarcastic with me. You'll learn your lesson eventually." He shrugs and I giggle, getting back into the bed.

"I don't think so." I smile, cupping his cheek with my hand.

"And why not?"

"Because I'm smarter than you. Obviously." I shrug, like he should've already known.

"Okay, Ariana." I pat his shoulder and he looks at me.

"I have a question?"

"And what would that be?" I cock my head to the side and he smiles.

"Side note. You are adorable. I could squeeze your cheeks all day. And the dimple."

I smile, my cheeks turning pink.

"What was your question?"

"I know I already told you I wanted to be a singer, but, can you sing?" My smile turns into a frown.

"Can I sing?"

"Yes, I believe that's what I said." He nods.

I roll my eyes.

"Listen, smart mouth." I giggle.

"Ariana, answer the question. Can you sing?" He asks.

"I.. I don't really know."

"What does that mean?"

"I've sang in front of people before, and they say I can, but I don't think so."

"Well, sing for me. I'll tell you. And don't worry. I'll be totally honest."

"What if I can't sing?"

"Then I'll still be totally honest."

"Okay, but you have to give me a song to sing."

"Sing that song from the movie Sing. The one that the elephant sang. What was her name?"

"Meena! She was my favorite character." I smile.

"Why? Does she remind you of you?"

"You are so disrespectful." I giggle.

"Sing the song. Please, baby."

"I was getting to that."

"Oh. Well, continue."

I think of the lyrics in my head. I memorized almost all the songs with the amount of times I watched the movie.

I see Justin watching me and feel my cheeks heat up.

"Stop looking at me! You're making me nervous." I bury my face in my hands and he laughs.

"Okay. I'll close my eyes." He closes his eyes and I can finally breathe again.

I take a few deep breaths, and start singing. I don't sing the whole song, but when I'm done, I realize that Justin had his eyes open and he was watching me.

"I-I don't know what to say."

"Was it bad?"

"No! No, no, no! It was amazing. Ariana, your voice... you are so talented."

"Really, Justin?"

"I said I'm being totally honest, Ari. You really can sing. Amazingly." I smile, kissing his cheek.

"Thank you."