I Want Your Love

SEVEN.

A/N: Sorry - the next two chapters are going to be a bit long, but may likely get a reaction from you. Enjoy!

I added the image above because it's a belief that I have for all humans (especially men, who have been taught 

Also - big love to those who experience unrequited crushes. They are the worse and I think I get allergic reactions when I have them on various people because wow - those feelings really hit you unprovoked.

Haai ke (a South African form of expression) - enjoy!

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Meraki looked up and grinned at the sight of Luca walking down from the hammock, wondering what she had said to Axel. As soon as she had walked in, she was bombarded by her friends, commanding her to retell the events that occurred at dinner as they led her to the lounge. While she was upset that Luca had told the rest of the group the reason for her dinner date, she was also relieved that they didn't think that she was purposely abandoning them on a trip she had contributed to. 

"Welcome back Mera", Luca cheered, wrapping his friend in a bear hug. "Thanks. I've been told that I missed quite a whole episode of Ex on the Beach,  with my friends having my back", she replied as she pulled away. "You really did", Luca smirked. "But first you're going to tell us about your date and why you came back home tonight instead of tomorrow morning". 

Meraki laughed as Luca pulled her to the large corner couch, sitting up straight while Meraki sat in the corner, stretching her legs on Luca's lap, with Louise perched on her other side and Archie next to Luca. Haisley brought Meraki some left over ice cream and more gin and tonic for the table as Meraki relayed her story, not missing the important information on why her dinner date William Henare changed, which left both parties relieved.

"So you and William Henare are not shacking up, but instead becoming friends? I feel so betrayed yet relieved that he likes my type instead of you. No offence", Luca teased, grinning at his close friend. Meraki resisted the urge to laugh, not because she was offended, but because Luca's boyfriend was looking at her friend with a very bored (going on an annoying) look. "I'm joking! You know my eyes, heart and groin only belong to you", he chuckled, leaning in to kiss Archie's cheek, making the taller man blush as the group laughed at his expression. 

"Alright lovebirds, I'm going to bed. This gin has depleted me. Meraki's date was a great bedtime story, plus Louise is practically passing out on my shoulder", Haisley commented as she stretched her legs. "I agree. I think she should've followed her boyfriend to the bedroom. The man is probably cuddling the pillow by now", Meraki joked. 

Haisley smiled at her best friend's joke before grabbing Louise by the elbow, waking her up in an effort to move them both off the couch and to their rooms. The brunette bid everyone goodnight as she sleepily trotted off with her friend - one would think they were drunk by their walk - leaving Meraki and the last pair of lovebirds on the massive couch. 

"Shouldn't you be going to sleep?", Luca whispered. "Shouldn't you?", Meraki challenged. The dark-haired man smiled affectionately at his friend. The room went quiet as he sent messages of gratitude for the loving friendship  that he has with Meraki. "Please. I still need one more round before I can sleep peacefully. There's no way I can sleep normally in this humidity, even with the rain", he muttered leaning on Archie's chest. 

Meraki sat up, "Rain? When did it start raining?" Luca shrugged as he laid his head on Archie's shoulder, prompting the boyfriend to answer. "Just after Zaire went to bed. It started as drizzle, but now it's pouring - not heavily though. That's why you couldn't hear it", he yawned. Meraki leaned back onto the couch and focused on the sound of the falling rain - smiling at the feeling of peace it brought, but one glance out the glass door had her smile disappearing.