I was flipping through the magazine pages looking for a new hairstyle for Janet. She was bored with her look and I didn't blame her, she had only been sporting it since the day I met her. We pointed out some pictures but nothing seemed to satisfy; until Janet saw one of the hairstylists and shouted "I want that!" When I observed the woman, she had a bob that fell around her chin with long bangs falling on her cheekbones.

Studying her and Janet back and forth, I believed we had found the right cut; it wasn't a coincidence that they both had similar facial structure. No doubt this haircut would make her look older but it would be easier to manage when she went off to nursing school. I couldn't wait to see the transformation, while I just decided on more layers and a V cut in the back. We still had to wait a few minutes for both our stylists, so I made use of the time with good conversation.

"Have you heard from Ian lately?"

"We text every now and then. He's supposed to go to Canada in a couple of weeks. We're only friends though, so don't get any ideas SIS," she nudged me.

"Oh it was a completely honest question. I wasn't hinting at anything…for once," I winked. "You know what we should do…we should go to the Winter Festival together, remember last year?"

"At the high school?" Janet asked scrunching her nose.

"Yeah. Louis is coming this week we could all go together, just like old times."

"Wow, we must be a bunch of dorks if a high school party is all we have to look forward to."

"C'mon, you know the idea doesn't sound half bad. Besides it will give you an opportunity to show off your new do."

"While we are on the subject of crazy ideas…" I rolled my eyes I didn't think it was that crazy of an idea. "I was thinking we should get a tattoo together." Janet smiled brightly.

"A tattoo…hmm…do you have anything in mind?" It sounded crazy but tempting.

Janet held my hand and pointed at both our wrists "we can get the same tattoo and have it complete each other's when our wrists come together."

"But do you think the placement would be ok in the military?"

"Good point I didn't think about that."

We gave it some more thought as we finally were called to our individual chairs. In the 2 hours that we spent there, all I could see was the disappointed look on Janet's face. I could tell she really wanted this tattoo and I sort of did too. We had a solid bond as friends and sisters. We had to do this.

"What about on the inside of our arms?" I pointed two inches down from my armpit.

"That would be PERFECT!" Her face beamed.

Gosh my first tattoo. We didn't even bother telling our parents much less ask for their permission. This was for us and no one else. I remembered a name of a guy and his shop Liam had mentioned once randomly. So as impulsive as it was we walked right in and out branded. We decided on small locket tattoos; mine had a J carved on the front and Janet had a B.

We then went to show off our tats to Zayn at the restaurant and get a bite to eat. But when we walked in I almost fell back when I saw Harry already there talking with him. Janet looked at me a little lost and all I could do was shrug. This was the last thing I had ever pictured in my head. Zayn was a cool guy and never held a grudge, so I wasn't expecting him to give Harry a cold shoulder for my sake; even when he knew the history between us. But I also wasn't expecting for them to be laughing and shaking hands on whatever deal they had made; like a new bromance.

Janet and I walked up to the bar and tried to play nice. Both guys smiled at us.

"I like your hair Janet," Harry complimented.

"Oh thanks," she replied while touching the back of her short cut.

"It looks good on you Janet," Zayn added.

Then we carefully took off our sweaters and displayed bandaged arms.

"What's this?" Zayn asked right away.

We proudly showed off our ink and watched the boys nod in approval.

"That looks hot ladies. But hey I have to go…Thanks a lot man!" Harry shook Zayn's hand once again.

"Bye girls."

Our eyes followed Harry as he left the restaurant. Then I turned to Zayn with my arms crossed. "What was that about?"

"He wanted to know if I could bartend his birthday party, but I'm leaving town tomorrow with Izzy, so I gave him Chaz's number," Zayn explained.

His birthday…right. I had almost forgotten. I guess he wasn't planning on inviting us since I hadn't heard about till now. That also bummed me out.

Our day came to an end as we returned home and modeled off our looks to our parents while keeping our sweaters on. I went to crash in my room and heard my phone go off. When I checked it, it had private number again; assuming it was Louis telling me he was coming soon or something.

"Hey."

"Hey doll. I've missed you so so much!"

"Aww Liam! Me too!" I sunk in my bed. "It's been so hard not being able to talk to you as much as I'd like. It's so hard."

"I know Brynn. I can't talk long. We don't have internet where we are stationed. But I wanted to give you my address, since I've been meaning to give you that for 2 months now. I wish I could be there now sweetie, I really do. But I want to wish you a Merry Christmas doll and I love you. Have you received my letter?"

"No not yet."

"Okay, then you should soon…Please pray and be strong for the both of us," he pleaded.

"I will Liam. I love you. I'm so glad I got to hear your voice. I needed it desperately."

"Me too. Tell everyone I said hello and I miss them Liambly. I will call you the next chance I get I swear," he promised.

I went to my desk to jot down his address and noticed some mail that my mom probably had placed there. I scribbled as fast as I could because he had to hang up urgently; the other guys in his unit had many calls to make as well. We hesitated to hang up but had no choice in the end. I tried my best not to cry but I released the damn when I hung up. It was actually the only way I could calm down and find peace again.
I returned to my desk to open my mail and noticed the second envelope was gray. When I opened it, I found a black party invitation with neon writing.

"You're invited to Harry's Black Light Party. Come celebrate his 23 birthday with us!" I read.

I could tell it was Lilah's handwriting. Then I remembered how they had a thing for crazy costume-like parties. This actually sounded way cooler than the Winter Festival and it fell this weekend too. The address was at a private club which probably meant they rented out the place, at least that wouldn't surprise me. And while I would rather go to this, I didn't know how on board Louis would be with the idea knowing Lilah would be there.

---

We agreed to meet up with Louis at the restaurant for lunch. I missed my friend and couldn't wait to play catch up. When he walked in I shrieked like a little girl seeing her brother for the first time in ages. He had a stylish military cut; if you could call that 'stylish'. But he pulled it off well. After our great big hug he sat in our booth.

"Where's Janet?" he asked.

"Oh she's talking with the crew back in the kitchen."

He shook his head and began to tell me about what he had been up to the last couple of months; in more detail that is. He had finished infantry school and was now waiting on orders of where they would send him off to. But he said he had a hunch they would send him off to Liam's unit, since Liam had requested for him so that they could be together. I admired their friendship and was still saddened by his breakup with Lilah. He seemed to be healing well, as far as I could see.

Janet finally returned and when Louis saw her he got just as happy as when he saw me. Janet pushed him over to sit beside him and join in on our convo. He was sure happy to see us, heck I was happy to see us all together.

"You look different Janet. I like it, turn around let me see!" Louis grabbed her shoulders to playfully turn her around.

Janet then punched his shoulder for having bugged her. I knew that we were all happy and buddy-buddy but you know me…I start thinking too much, my wheels starts spinning and I start detecting sparks. While I wouldn't necessarily mention anything just yet, Janet and Louis kind of looked cute together. Of course if I should dare to bring this up to either one of them, I could picture them shake their heads and throw a comment like "oh but he/she is like my brother/sister!"

I kept this observation to myself, but the more I analyzed it the more it made sense…and the more I liked it. Like a Zayn and Izzy saga. Perhaps Louis was meant to be break up with Lilah. Regardless I still brought up the party invitation and although skeptical Louis agreed to it; saying it sounded fun and different. I agreed.

---

The plan was to stick together and not wander off. Louis had no intention of talking or being alone with Lilah just as I secretly wanted to avoid Harry. We didn't have to dress up this time for the party; we were told the atmosphere would take care of that. We were in short sleeve shirts and jeans, while a couple of guys walked in shirtless or in tank tops; I didn't understand why until later. We left our jackets in a supervised coat room and then entered through another set of doors.

Once we walked through we were not only hit with a sonic wave of feel-good music but we entered into complete darkness. It was a short hallway that led to the main room and it was there where the magic unveiled. It seemed like there were hundreds of black lights over our heads creating a bizarre world of neon colors all around us. I saw some shirtless guys with florescent scribbles and finger prints all over them.

We laughed as we looked at each other with sparkling violet smiles and creepy glowing eyes. Our shirts glowed as well. This was freakishly amazing. Then we saw some girls walking around in their bras or bikinis with painted skin too. Louis didn't seem to mind this party at all and he led the way as we explored the rest of the location.

He found the 'paint bar', there were stacks of white shirts if you wanted to wear one and get painted on. And then what looked like a buffet of paint buckets in a long cart. I was stumped. I looked down at my shirt and pondered painting it. The three of us hovered over the cart, marveling.

"Why not?!" Louis shouted and took off his shirt.

Janet laughed but she surprised me when she rebelliously took off her shirt too. I gasped and covered my mouth from laughing. What had gotten into these two? Janet was wearing a white bra which drew plenty of attention. Then they both looked at me waiting for my turn. I shook my head, I wasn't about to join their coo-coo nest.

"C'mon, it's okay to let loose once in a while Brynn," Louis encouraged me.

That's all it took. The 'screw it' attitude had brought me to strip down and join the shirtless crowd. I sported a light blue bra which was just as bad and bright as Janet's white one. And there we huddled around the cart and started finger painting one another. Janet and I painted some weird tribal marks on our faces while Louis just kept mounting on the colors creating a neon camouflage over his torso. We helped cover his back and arms and I have to say he looked like a galactic G.I. Joe.

The DJ then played Good Time by Owl City, which was Janet's favorite cruising song. We tug our shirts through our jean belt loops and jogged towards the dance floor. This was indeed a GOOD TIME. I can't remember the last time we had this much fun together. But Louis was stealing the show. The room looked like it had floating body parts and heads but you could spot Louis from any distance and make out his entire body, as it was covered all over in paint.

He attracted the ladies like a grain of sugar attracts a herd of ants. Janet and I kept shaking our heads at this ridiculous picture. And out of nowhere Janet moved in to dance solely with Louis, driving the neon zombie girls away. He didn't seem to mind that either. I knew they didn't think much of it but that just added another check to my chart.

I left them to their dance solo, I had gotten thirsty and hot; even without my shirt on. I saw Chaz at the bar and ordered my own drink while I sat for a moment.

"Hey you made it. It took me a second to recognize you," Harry said trying to maintain eye contact, but I saw him take a glimpse of my very obvious bright chest.

"Oh man this is a sick party Harry. I swear you have the coolest birthdays." I confessed.

"Yeah, it's kind of something I look forward to; a day to step out of the norm."

"Well Happy Birthday! Thanks for inviting me."

"Of course." He winked. "Will you dance with me later?"

"Oh…uh…I don't know." I felt put on the spot.

"A harmless dance…it's the birthday boy's only request."

I knew I shouldn't have consented but…well I did. And now I just wanted to get it over with. Harry had already left when Louis and Janet found me. I didn't mention anything, just ordered another drink and kept the good vibes flowing. Louis ordered two bottles of water, he remembered that Janet didn't drink anymore…smart move; another check to the chart.

It was dark yes, but you had to be as blind as a bat to not see the chemistry between the two. Louis excused himself to go to the rest room and I watched Janet still smiling even when he had left.
"Oh man I missed Louis. He's such an awesome guy huh?" I said purposely.

"Yeah, it's nice to be all together again," Janet said coolly not taking my hint.

"It's amazing what the military does to a guy too. I mean Louis had an average body but now look at him…all beefed up." I continued.

"Brynn…I know what you are doing," she glared at me.

"Oh c'mon! You guys have been practically flirting the whole time!"

"WHAT? No Brynn! We are just happy to see each other, like he is happy to see you too!"

"Pfft! Right! I've never danced that way with him nor has he ever checked me out."

"You're crazy Brynn! Besides how can you even tell? Its dark, you can't tell if he's checking me out," Janet argued.

"Believe me, I have an eye for this stuff. He IS checking you out."

"No, don't put ideas in my head B. We're like brother and sister, and I'm sure he feels the same way."

"Keep telling yourself that then. I say different."

"Shut up! He's coming," Janet nudged me.

"Hey, so are we heading back to the dance floor or what? Round two?" He said while swaying to the dub-step beats.

Oh clueless Louis. I knew it was too soon to ask him any questions regarding Janet, due to his recent break up. But I just wanted to know if he was opposed to the idea in general. From what I gathered in my little friendly quarrel with Janet, the idea wasn't too far from her mind. I could tell that she was more worried with what he thought and feared rejection.

We returned to the dance floor and they played a different version of Drops of Jupiter, however it was still somewhat a ballad; and impossible for a trio to dance to. I announced the need to use the restroom and rapidly saw Louis grab Janet's hand to turn her around and continue dancing with him. She looked back at me and I knew she was now thinking of the possibility…of him.

I was almost out of the crowd but I felt a hand slightly pull on me. When I turned around it was Harry.

"This is a good song." He said and stuck out his hand as he too was entrancing me with his suave dance.

I smirked and joined him in a 'harmless' dance. He respectably kept distance between us but his eyes were glued to mine. I on the other hand didn't want to engage in his little tactic, but the boy had rhythm. He too was shirtless with a crazy cool paint design all over his chest and back. I started getting into the groove of the song and just enjoyed it. I would catch glimpses of Harry's bright white teeth through his smile.

"There you go! I dare say it looks like you are having fun!" He shouted.

I was. I liked to dance but then the beats slowed down as the DJ cleverly went in to a slow song. It was Only One by Yellowcard. I was about to walk away I swear it. But Harry held out one finger, hinting for just one more dance. I looked over at Janet and Louis who were nervously getting closer to dance this one too. I sighed and stood in front of him. He held my hand and barely placed the other one on the small of my back. It was totally awkward; we we're dancing shirtless and I remembered the last time we were like this.

This was so wrong, but I only had to endure this for maybe 2 more minutes. Only our skin was touching in too many areas. I could feel a layer of static between us. And I found myself extremely cautious with every move and breath I took. The lyrics to the song didn't help either as it fit us perfectly. The more intense the melody and words, I felt Harry's hand press tighter to my back. I had been looking to the side but when I looked up at him on the slow part of the song, I noticed his eyes were watering up.

We paused from dancing and remain fixed on each other. People were still dancing around us. The powerful ending of the song gave me goose bumps and I suddenly felt chilly. I took a step back before it got too dangerous. Harry bowed his head and laughed quietly to himself. When he looked back up I saw two shiny tears on his cheeks. He pressed his lips together. I was frightened when he walked up to me and placed his hand on the back of my head.

I have to admit I didn't do much to pull away, but luckily he only planted a kiss on my forehead and whispered "thank you" before walking away. I was shocked. That could have been the perfect moment for him to flat out kiss me, and I didn't try to stop him at any cost. But he didn't which was a relief for me…but I was still disappointed in myself.

Notes

Alas an update! Muah!