(A/N: HEY GUYS THIS IS A NOTE BEFORE THE CHAPTER BECAUSE I WANT YOU TO KNOW SOMETHING SO YOU DON’T GET CONFUSED. WHEN MACKENZIE SAYS A LINE OF LYRICS FROM THE SONG ‘JET BLACK HEART’, THEY ARE HER OWN WORDS. CALUM HEARS THEM AND SOMETHING COOL IS GOING TO HAPPEN IN A FUTURE CHAPTER. IF YOU CATCH MY DRIFT. ANWYAYS JUST REMEMBER FOR THE PURPOSE OF THIS STORY, ‘JET BLACK HEART’ IS NOT A SONG FOR 5SOS YET. OKAY? GOOD, GOOD!!! ENJOY MY LOVES.)






“I can’t believe you’re going to give up the bet.” Scarlett looked at me from the bed.

I was currently getting ready to head over to Calum’s room for his special surprise. I didn’t know what he had in mind, but he told me to “look nice”.

“I’m not giving up the bet!” I rolled my eyes, turning around to face all the girls.

“It kind of sounds like you are.” Skylar looked at me.

“Listen, we all know you’re going to win this bet anyway, Sky.” I chuckled.

“Don’t be so sure.” She shrugged. We all eyed her suspiciously. “I haven’t seen much of Mikey lately to be honest.”

“What? Since when?” Piper chimed in.

“I don’t know, he’s just been hanging out by himself or going off with one of the lads.” Skylar shrugged.

“Well regardless of that, I’m not giving up.” I tossed my hair over my shoulder, slumping onto the bed next to Piper.

“Guys…” Piper started, waiting for all of us to turn our attention to her. “Have you ever thought about the fact that this bet is stupid and immature? Like we’re all trying to get a guy to sleep with us before one another.”

I thought about what she was saying, she was right. We were being completely ridiculous about this entire bet. Not only did this bet complicate our feelings, it also was complicating the guys and the tour. No one even knew about the bet besides us. We could put it to an end before anyone would even have a chance to find out if we wanted too. But then I thought about it. I was having fun. I was having fun bouncing back and forth. I was having fun watching my friends let out their sexual frustrations. I was having fun watching the guys let loose.

“I mean yeah, sure. But it’s fun.” Scarlett said, reading my mind. I smirked over at her.

“I agree, it is fun. As ridiculous and risky as this is, it’s been the most fun I’ve had with you girls in a long time.” Skylar agreed.

“Yeah, definitely.” I looked at the other girls.

“You should get going!” Scar smiled at me.

“But I wanted to hang out more with you guys.” I pouted.

“Let’s have a girl’s day tomorrow before the show. Just us, doing whatever we please.” Piper suggested. “No boys, no bets, nothing else but us.”

“Yes! I’m down.” I smiled, standing up.

“But for now, go get that tan dick.” Skylar winked at me.

“Oh my god. I like him for other reasons.” I rolled my eyes.

“Yes, but we all know it’s a plus.” Scar wiggled her eyebrows.

“Yeah, is it really as nice as what his leaked nudes make it seem?” Piper joked.

“I hate you. I hate all of you.” I felt my face turn red.

“She’s blushing, the dick is nicer than we can ever imagine.” Scar smirked at me.

“GOODBYE!” I said, opening the door.

“We won’t wait up!” I heard Sky yell as I let the door slam behind me.

I shook my head at my friends. I was really having fun. I was glad to have my best friends on this tour. More so, I wouldn’t have been able to do this without them being on my side either. I thought about what I was doing. I leaned my forehead against the wall, sighing loudly. I let out a frustrated groan. What was I doing? I was hurting people I cared about. I was hurting myself. I needed to put an end to this madness. I looked towards the door I was supposed to be entering. Should I go in there? Should I go back into the girls room and tell them I quit? Should I date Calum? Should I date Luke? I slumped down against the wall, resting my head on my knees. I was trapped. I had no way out without hurting someone.

“Good job Kenz, you’ve done it now.” I muttered out loud. “Great now I’m talking to myself.”

I heard a ruckus coming from down the hall but I didn’t bother to look up. The voices grew louder and I recognized both of them. I grunted, rolling my eyes, never lifting my head. Their loud banter quieted down as they neared me.

“Mackenzie?” I heard Luke say but I didn’t look up.

“Kenz?” Ashton repeated.

I kept my head down in between my knees. I was suffocating myself with my own thoughts and feelings. I wasn’t supposed to get feelings, let alone feelings for two guys at the same time. I groaned as I felt the guys hovering over me.

“Go ahead dude, I’ll catch up.” I heard Ashton tell Luke.

He slid down the wall next to me, prying my face from my legs. He turned my face towards him, practically forcing me to look at him.

“What?” I snapped.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, not letting go of my head.

“Fuck off.” I tried to shrug him off but I couldn’t.

“Tell me what’s wrong?” he pushed.

“Nothing is wrong.”

“Liar.”

“Not lying.” I shrugged.

“Tell me.”

“Nothing is wrong.”

“You should really talk about your problems sometimes.” He slung an arm around my shoulder.

“I don’t have any problems.” I glared at him.

“Well then if there’s nothing to talk about, I’m just going to go get drunk with Luke.” He started to get up, but I stopped him, pushing him back down. If I didn’t talk to him, I wouldn’t be able to come up with a solution for my problem. Sure he was their bandmate, but he was my brother first. He’d know what to do. He smirked at me, “That’s what I thought.”

“I just…I don’t know.” I groaned dramatically, throwing my head onto Ashton’s shoulders.

“Just tell me Mackenzie. I know it’s probably something I don’t want to hear about the mates, but you’re my sister and I don’t rather enjoy seeing you so distraught either.”

“I don’t know Ash. I’m in too deep.” I sighed.

“And what do you mean by that Mackenzie?” he chuckled. “I’m going to need more detail, unfortunately.”

“I’ll spare you the juicy stuff…” I looked up at his distorted face.

“Yes, please do.”

“I like them both.”

“I know that much.” He looked down at me. “You’ve liked more than one guy at a time before, right?”

“This is different.” I rolled my eyes.

“And how so?”

“Well the thing is, I like them in such different ways. Ways I wasn’t expecting from either of them. When I’m with Calum, he’s so protective and romantic, he’s sweet and caring. He’s always just making sure I’m okay or I’m having a good time, no matter what we’re doing. And when I’m with Luke, he’s so spontaneous and carefree. He cares and he’s sweet too, but I wasn’t expecting him to be as fun as he is. He always seemed so reserved. They both put me first and they both treat me right when we go out or whatever. So I just don’t know what to feel or who to feel, dare I say it, love for. And don’t get ahead of ourselves, to clear that up, I don’t love either of them. But I do like them both, a lot.”

“And they both make you feel alive and happy?” his face scrunched up in thought.

“Yeah! It’s crazy. I always thought it was going to be the other way around. Luke would be the romantic and Calum would be the crazy one. I really like doing what I’m doing but I’m starting to feel super guilty about it.”

“Holy shit, ladies and gentlemen, Mackenzie Irwin has a soul.”

Getting frustrated I punched his arm, hard. “I knew I shouldn’t have even bothered.”

“I’m sorry, Kenz.” Ashton chuckled. “I couldn’t pass that up. But let’s get to the bottom of this seriously.”

“I just don’t know what to do. They always pop into my mind when I’m with the other. I’m always having such a good time and then something happens and I lose the good vibes because the other one just sneaks into my mind. I try so hard to not think about it but I can’t help it. And if they don’t pop into mind during my time with the other it always happens after. Some form of guilt always washes over me and I don’t think I can keep doing it.”

“Kenz, I can’t tell you who you like more.” Ashton chuckled.

“I’m not asking you too, I’m just trying to sort my feelings out.”

“Okay so despite the risky waters I’m about to enter, tell me about them. Like what do you do, how do you feel when you’re with them? That kind of stuff.” He looked uncertain but I knew he’d do whatever he could to help me.

“Okay, let’s start with Calum. He plans these extravagant dates, he woos me, and he treats me like an absolute princess.”

“But…” Ashton interjected.

“But he’s so fragile with my feelings. He treats me like I could break at any moment and I don’t really like that. I’m a human, not a doll. I don’t need to be worried about but at the same time, it’s nice to have someone care like that.”

“So he’s too romantic and caring?”

“I don’t know!” I threw my hands up in frustration. “That’s my problem! I like being with him. We do fun things, we go out to fancy dinners, we get drunk, get high, he kisses me like I’ve never been kissed before! I don't know!” Ashton shuddered at his new mental image of me kissing his best mate.

“And Luke?” he carried on.

“Luke is so unpredictable. He doesn’t worry about how fancy a place is, he takes me to festivals, he walks hand in hand with me sometimes and then sometimes he doesn’t even pretend like he likes me. But when he does show he cares, it’s amazing. I feel so alive with Luke. He surprises me every time we’re together. I get these weird tingles in my stomach, I don’t know how to deal with what I feel when I’m with Luke. He treats me so well too, but he isn’t worried about hurting me, or if I’m going to break.”

“And dear I ask this…” Ashton sighed. “How do you feel when Luke kisses you?”

“I feel like I’m on cloud nine. I’m flying. I always thought he’d be the awkward, inexperienced one, which I guess he sort of is, but I never would have guess.”

“Christ. Spare me.”

“But that’s the thing, he’s not pressuring me into anything and I mean neither is Calum. When I’m with Calum it sometimes feels like a hookup and when I’m with Luke it feels like we’re almost in a relationship.”

“Isn’t that what you want? A relationship?”

“Should I want a relationship?” I ran a frustrated hand through my hair. “That’s the thing, I don’t know what I want!”

“Do you want to have sex or do you want to fall in love? Or do you want to do both simultaneously?”

“I feel like I should want love, but I also want sex, but at the same time I’m young. Do I want to fall in love?”

“As much as I hate to say this, you don’t have to stay with whoever you fall in love with now. It doesn’t have to work like that.”

“Are you suggesting I hump, fall in love, dump, one of your best friends?” I giggled.

“I mean I’d prefer you not too, but I get it, I do.” He shrugged. “I have to ask, despite my better judgement, have you already had sex with either of them?

“No, and I’ve the same things with each, which I wouldn’t worry what that is if I were you.”

“Not gonna ask anymore. But from what I’ve heard Kenz, it kind of sounds like you like them equally but for different reasons.”

“What do you mean?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

“You like Calum for the sexual side of him. You like Luke for the feelings side of him.”

“I mean I guess. I just don’t know what I’m supposed to do. I’m about to go meet Calum and he has this extravagant something or other planned and I just don’t know.”

“I don’t either Kenz, I really don’t. From what you’ve told me though, that’s what I see.”

“Maybe I’ll stay with whatever one is better in the sack.”

“Annnnnnd the real, not sappy Mackenzie is back.” Ashton pulled me into his side.

“It’s not a bad idea, that’s very important in relationships. You wouldn’t stay with someone who didn’t satisfy you.” I looked at him.

“You’re right. I wouldn’t.” he shrugged. “But don’t base you’re decision off my mates dicks.”

“I’ll think about it.”

“Do they know about each other?” Ashton turned serious.

“I think they might be onto it, but I don’t think they realize it’s as serious as it is.” I sighed.

“Well don’t let this ruin tonight, go have fun with Calum, be safe need be, and call me if you need me.” He said, standing up, pulling me with him.

“Thanks Ashton. I love you.” I hugged him tight once we both had our footing.

“I love you too, sis.” He held on a second longer before letting me go.

“Okay, here goes nothing.” I said, not moving.

“Well go on!” he nodded towards Calum’s door.

I gulped, I was suddenly nervous. Ashton might be onto something. I might just enjoy being with Calum because he’s so sexual. But he’s also too caring and into me to just be interested in being my fuck buddy. I heard Ashton close the door Luke had entered earlier, leaving me alone in the hall. I took the few steps towards Cal’s door, knocking lightly.

“You’re late.” He smirked, swinging the door open.

“I know.” I pouted.

“Well come on in!” he stepped aside, letting me through.

My mouth dropped as I took in the room. The couches were gone, the room was dimly lit with a table in the middle of the living space. It was draped with a pristine white cloth, a candle in the middle with fancy plates with lids in front of each seat. The room was decorated in Christmas type lights, candles, and if I wasn’t mistaken, a few rose pedals here and there. I was in shock. How did he do this in such a sort time? He had only asked me to come this morning.

“Calum.” I looked up into his big eyes. He looked down at me with such passion, it almost scared me.

“I told you I was going to make everything up to you.” He took my hand, leading me towards the table.

He pulled out my chair, helping me into it. He pushed me into the table, handing me the napkin from the table. He removed the lid from my meal, setting it on a cart off to the side. He did the same with his before slipping into the chair across from me.

“Kenz, I want this to be a night you’ll never forget.”

“It’s already something special.” I smiled.

“I hope you like steak.” He chuckled.

“I do.” I looked down at the food on my plate. “It looks delicious.”

“How was your day?” he asked, pouring some wine into my glass, then his own.

“It wasn’t bad. Started out kind of shitty, I had to watch this kid get another girls phone number, but then it turned around and that kid blew my mind in many ways a little after, and then I had a heart to heart on the floor of the hallway with my brother, which made me late for a date but the date with cool about it and still let in me.” I smirked.

“Sounds like a crazy but good day.” He looked over at me.

“How about you?”

“My day wasn’t bad. Swam a little, had my dick sucked, planned a date and now here I am.”

“Oh my god. Of course you’d say something about your dick.” I rolled my eyes.

“It was the best head I’ve ever had, if that makes it any better.”

“Of course it was, I gave you it.” I smirked.

“Ohhhh feisty.” He sipped his wine.

“Aren’t I always?” I chuckled, taking a bite of my food.

“That’s what I like about you.”

“Tell me more.” I joked.

“You’re ridiculous.” He chuckled.

“How’d you do this all so fast?” I looked around the room as I chewed another bite.

“I had some help from the staff.” He chuckled quietly. “But I made sure it was perfect.”

“I love it.” I smiled over at him.

We carried on small talk and quiet conversation while we finished the rest of our meals. By the end I needed a refill on my wine and so did he. We continued to joke and talk like this was the normal thing to do. Like we were a couple. Like this was okay. Like I honestly had feelings for the kid.

“Let’s go outside.” He suggest, carrying our glasses with him.

I followed him, stepping onto the balcony attached to his room. It overlooked part of the city, lights twinkling in the distance, clouds scattering the night sky, few stars peeking through. He handed me my glass, sipping his own. He threw a casual arm around me, letting it rest on the railing. I stood pressed in between Calum and the rail, and I couldn’t be more content. I lend into his side, feeling his warmth. I smiled to myself as I tipped my glass to my lips.

“I like this.” He smiled, placing a kiss on my head, the first kiss we shared all night.

“I like you.” I blurted out, not even realizing the words were coming out of my mouth.

I looked up to meet his eyes, already on mine. His lips were curled into a slight smile, not smirk, an actual smile. He spun me to face him properly, taking my glass from me, setting it on a little table that sat outside with his. He replaced his warmth, cupping my face in his hands.

“You like me, huh?” he whispered.

I thought about my answer, if I said yes, would it complicate my relationship with Luke? I’ve admitted to liking both of the guys before, but something about this seemed much heavier. This felt serious. I looked down, unsure of how to truly answer him. I did like Calum, a lot. But that still didn’t mean I knew who I liked more, plus the bet was still on. I felt like if I let this thing, whatever it was, happen tonight, I wouldn’t be able to keep up with Luke. I certainly couldn’t be bouncing back and forth still if I slept with one of them, and I mean sex. I can’t be having sex with both of them.

I felt my face being tilted back up to meet Calum’s. He looked infatuated, scared, happy and unsure all in the same face. I chuckled, causing him to raise an eyebrow. I stayed silent though, unsure of my words.

“Mackenzie, you can’t just say that.” He sighed.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, leaning up to whisper into his ear. “I like you.”

I felt his arms tighten around my waist, pulling me in close. I leaned back onto my flat feet, looking into his eyes. His emotions were a little more clear now, happiness and lust.

“I like you.” He repeated me.

“That doesn’t change anything we have going on though.” I pouted.

“Kenz, come on.” He sighed.

“I can’t date you Calum.” I lowered my head.

“Promise me something?” he whispered.

“Sure.” I shrugged.

“Promise me, whenever you figure this crazy love triangle, if I come out on top, you will date me.”

“What love triangle?” I let my grip on his neck loosen.

He untangled his arms from me, grabbing his wine, heading back into the hotel room. I grabbed my drink, following him into the bedroom, which was equally as decorated as the living space. He sat down on the edge of the bed. I carefully sat next to him. I looked at him, mouth open ready to talk when he started.

“I’m not stupid Makenzie. I know you’re fucking around with Luke. I don’t know what you guys are doing, but I’m hoping it’s not what I’m thinking. I don’t want to be sharing you.”

“It’s not like that. I don’t have sex with him, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

He let out a shaky breathe. “That’s good to hear, but you also just confessed you’re messing with him.”

“I mean, it’s complicated.” I hung my head. Tonight had started so perfect.

“How so? Do you like him too?” he looked over at me, downing the remaining liquid in his glass.

I twirled my cup around in my hands, staring at it intently choosing my words carefully. I finished my wine in one gulp, getting up, grabbing his glass. He raised a confused eyebrow as his eyes followed me out the door into the living room. I found the open bottle and carried it back into the room with me. I sat back down, placing the bottle to my lips taking an overly healthy swig. I clutched it tight in my hands as I found my words.

“I don’t know what I feel about Luke.” I answered, semi-honestly.

“Is that how it is here?” he ripped the bottle from my hands, following suite, taking a large sip.

“No! I know I like you.” I sighed.

“Then what’s the problem? Cut it off with him.”

“It’s not that easy.” I thought about the bet.

“What would make it so hard to not just end it, Kenz?” he eyed me, taking another long drink.

I took the bottle back aggressively as he did, feeling the warmth gather in my cheeks. “Calum, I can’t tell you and even if I did you wouldn’t believe me.”

“Try me.” He reached for the bottle, but I pulled it away placing it on my own lips.

He eyed me before launching himself towards me. He grabbed for the bottle but I quickly scooted away. He chuckled before throwing his arms around me, lifting me off the bed. I struggled to get free, laughing along with him. He took the bottle from my hands as I wrapped my legs around his waist. He tipped the wine into his mouth, leaving a barely there sip for me. I took it, dropping the now empty bottle.

“You know what, I don’t care about any of that.” He started, looking me directly in the eyes. “I don’t care if you like Luke, I don’t care if you have secrets because I like you so much it hurts Kenz. It doesn’t matter. I like you.”

“Calum.” I started but was cut off by his lips against mine. All thoughts escaped my mind as he kissed me.

I let my hands tangle themselves into his hair, tugging on it lightly. A low moan rasped from his throat as he tightened his grip under my butt. He slowly walked us back towards the bed, dropping me, ungracefully, onto.

“You shit.” I laughed as I hit the bed with a thump.

“Oops.” He smirked.

“You did that on purpose!” I swatted his chest.

He shrugged, wordlessly crawling over top of me. “I like you.”

“I know that.” I rolled my eyes.

“So much.” He mumbled. I giggled, feeling the alcohol kicking in fully.

“So much.” I mocked him.

“Don’t start. I’ll stop.” He said removing a hand from my side.

“Don’t stop.” I latched a hand around his neck pulling me close when a thought popped into my head. “Doing what you’re doing.”

“I’ll leave this room right now.” He eyed me with a chuckled.

“Every time you walk in the room got all eyes on you.” I smirked.

“Mackenzie Irwin.”

“Calum Hood.”

“Stop.”

“Don’t stop.”

“Kenz.” He mumbled in his seductive tone so low I barely heard him, despite him only being a few inches from my ear.

That was all it took for my insides to be thrown into over drive. I pulled our faces together, pressing his lips to mine. He propped himself up on his elbows, causing me to arch myself into him. Our mouths danced in perfect harmony. He adjusted himself, coming farther on top of me. I pulled him close, desperate for anything I could get. I let a low moan out as he swiped his tongue along my lower lip. Our tongues fought for dominance, before his lips left mine trailing down my jawline, to my ear, down my neck and slowly onto my chest uncovered my shirt. I ran my hand up his clothed body, wanting the fabric gone. I tugged at the bottom of his shirt, removing it altogether, his lips detaching from me only for a quick second. I felt pretty good, so I did his work for him, taking my own shirt off as well as my bra.

“Eager, are we?” he chuckled, attaching his lips to a breast.

“No.” I countered.

“Whatever you say, love.” He smirked, coming back to my lips.

He dipped his hand between our bodies, unbuttoning the top of my jeans. I shimmied out of my pants as he did his. He impatiently ripped my underwear down, tossing them aside with my pants. He smiled, leaning back onto his heals.

“What?” I rolled my eyes.

“Every inch of you is perfect, Kenz.” He said, very seriously.

“You know I’m not perfect.” I shrugged sitting up to meet him, reaching his still covered manhood.

“You’re as close as it gets then.”

“Stop.” I rolled my eyes again, palming his over his boxers.

“You know you’re going to have to let someone love you one day, right?” he asked, causing my hand to freeze.

I looked up at him, dragging my eyes away from his going dick. I wasn’t sure if was drunk or if he was trying to tell me something else right now. I wasn’t sure what to do, but anytime a guy even as much as mentioned the “L” word in this state of undress, I freaked out.

“What?” I asked.

“You’re going to let some bloke in one day, no matter how hard you try to act like you have no heart.” He mumbled, looking down at me intently.

I wasn’t concerned in his moment that I was naked. I wasn’t concerned that my hand lay frozen on Calum’s half hard penis. I wasn’t concerned about anything but figuring out why he decided he needed to bring this up right now.

“Get off me.” I said, trying to get up from the bed.

“Mackenzie.” He sighed, rolling off my legs.

I stood up, pulling my undies up my legs and finding Calum’s shirt to tug over my head. I went back out into the living room, sitting down in the chair I ate dinner in. I sat staring at nothing in particular. I heard a frustrated groan come from the other room, before Calum emerged. He sat down in his chair, looking at me but I refused to make eye contact.

“Mackenzie, I’m not saying I love you.” He started. “I’m just saying that guys will always be giving you attention and one day, you’re going to be in the position we were just in, and the guy is going to say something like ‘you’re perfect’ and you’re going to have to accept it. I don’t care how much you don’t think you’re perfect, because when I look at you, that’s what I see. Perfection. You’re beauty, your sometimes shitty personality, your flaws, your freckles, your lips and eyes, your smile, don’t get me started on that, your laugh, your caring heart, even though you won’t admit it’s there, I see it when we’re together.”

I laughed. And then I laughed some more. And then I looked at Calum. “You’re right, one day I’m going to have to accept it. But right now, I’m an angsty teenager and I don’t want too.”

“But why not?” he sighed. “I just poured all my feelings out and that’s all you can say?”

“I’m being honest Calum! For god sakes what do you want from me?”

“I wanted to compliment the girl I like, I wanted to compliment the girl I was about to engage in some sort of sexual activity with. That’s all. I never want you to feel like you’re just a hook up to me, when you’re so much more.”

“I’m sorry.” I bowed my head in defeat. He was right, he was only trying to be a gentleman and I had to go and get all crazy when he said love. I knew he didn’t mean it, but it was still weird hearing it come out of his mouth.

“Now, can we go back in there? We don’t have to do anything. We can just snuggle up and go to bed.”

“Okay.” I nodded, getting up.

He grabbed my hand, kissing the back of it before leading me back into bed. He pulled the covers down, helping me into it before crawling in next to me. He pulled the blanket up around us, pulling me close to him. I was still just my knickers and his shirt and him only his boxers. But I was comfortable. This was like the last time we’d slept together in the same bed, but so different. This time there was much thicker air floating around us. I complicated things for us tonight and I realized that. I didn’t mean to freak out, but that’s what I do best.

“You know I meant everything I said?” he spoke into my hair, spooning into me, wrapping an arm around my waist.

“Hmm?” I asked, unsure of what he actually meant.

“I know you have feelings, no matter how hard you try and hide them, I see your heart when we’re with one another.”

With s quiet chuckle I said… “That’s impossible.”

“How?” he asked, leaving me to say the last words before we fell asleep.

“Because Calum, I’ve got a jet black heart and there’s a hurricane underneath it, trying to keep us apart.”

Notes

Hey guys, hope my author note at the beginning wasn’t too confusing. If you have any questions, just ask! It’ll make more sense later, and if you just pretend jet black heart doesn’t exist.

Anyways, Ashton now knows how involved Kenz actually is. So that could be good or bad. Also, Calum knows about Luke, oh shit. But does Luke know about Calum? I hope you enjoy this chapter and I apologize for the long wait.

Let me know what you think

xx