Hi friends!
Trying my very hardest to finish the next chapter before Wednesday, I really wanna be able to finish before!
How are you? Hope you're well! And I hope you'll enjoy this chapter! This one is a little more slow paced but very soon after this (next chapter is party concert! But the one after that) will be more fast paced again so just be patient and trust my plan! IT WILL BE WORTH IT PLS I PROMISE
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this one! Thank you for being here and voting, please don't forget to leave another vote on this one ♥️ will be back Wednesday, should be able to finish it before then!
All my love!
Word count: 4694
~~
That evening, a few hours after he'd had the call with Steve, David came over. Tyler didn't tell him about the conversation he'd had with Steve, and to David he told him that he had written this song a long time ago but never released it, and he decided to do that now. He didn't want to lie to him but he also kind of felt like he had no choice, because he couldn't tell him he wrote that for his ex just a few months ago. How was he ever supposed to tell him that?
Michael went home when they were done packing Tyler's stuff for the show and David stayed the night. The next day, Tyler was excited for his soulmates to arrive, though he was kind of nervous to see Steve, after the conversation they'd had the day before. He wondered if things would feel different now, if steve would be more stand off-ish. He really didn't want to lose him. He hoped they could treat each other normally.
When the doorbell rang, Tyler's heart stopped slightly. He got up to open the door.
"Ty babyyy!" Lucas exclaimed happily as he walked inside with his suitcase and he hugged him tightly. "I'm so proud of you. This single is already doing so well! Gosh I've missed you", he sighed as he hugged him. "I missed you so much", Tyler told him. "And I'm so proud of you for getting the promotion! I'm so glad you're here", Tyler sighed softly. "I love you", he said. "I love you more", Lucas smiled at him, pecking his cheek. He let go and then he greeted David.
When he did so, Steve stood there in front of him. "Hi Ty", he said. "...hi Steve", Tyler replied softly. He felt awkward, he didn't know what to do; he was nervous, almost scared.
But Steve didn't want it to feel weird or be awkward. He stepped closer and he wrapped his big strong arms around Tyler's neck, then he pressed a firm kiss on his forehead. It made Tyler feel so relieved to know nothing had changed. They were still close, still soulmates. He hadn't lost him.
"I love you, I missed you", Tyler whispered. "I love you too Ty, I'm glad I get to see you again", he said. "Missed you too much." He pressed another kiss on Tyler's forehead, which made Tyler's heart feel so many things that he didn't want and felt like he couldn't feel. It was confusing and conflicting him even more.
They let go and Steve also gave David a hug as he greeted him. "So, where are you guys staying?" David asked with a smile. Lucas opened his mouth, then it closed again, as he turned to Tyler, his eyes narrowing slightly. "...yeah, where are we staying..?" He asked. Steve frowned a little, and Tyler truly didn't know how to answer, because he thought he knew the answer but apparently he didn't.
"Right uhm, about that- let's go get you guys a drink and we can... talk about that", he said as he motioned for Steve and Lucas to come along. David went to sit on the couch and his friends followed Tyler to the kitchen.
"...okay ty what's going on 'cause from my understanding, we're both staying here", Lucas said. "...unless I missed something?" He asked as he looked at Steve. "I- no I thought we'd be staying here too", he said. He felt his heart heavy; he'd looked forward to that, but now he wasn't so sure anymore if that was actually happening.
"No I- I thought so too! I mean, you guys always do! I- I thought David was going home tonight and you'd be staying here because the show is tomorrow but now- now i- I don't know if I- maybe I said it wrong to him or something, I don't know", Tyler said. "I... maybe he- he might be staying another night", Tyler muttered.
"...great, so where are we going then?" Lucas asked. The way he said it, hurt Tyler's heart. "I- I'm sorry, I- I didn't know before, if I'd known I would've- would've let you know or- or asked him to go home again but I- I don't- I don't know how to fix it now-" Tyler rambled and he felt like he could cry.
Steve's hand was on his shoulder. "Breathe, love", he said softly. "It's... okay. I- Luke isn't mad", Steve said. "No, no I'm sorry if it felt that way Ty", Lucas said. "I just... would've preferred if I had known before. So I would've known what we'd be up to", Lucas said. "I- I know and I- I would've told you but I didn't even know, I promise", he said. "We believe you, it's okay", Steve said. "I... would've preferred staying here too but... it's what it is", he said. "...so where are we staying then 'cause I have a feeling that the couch isn't gonna be an option", Lucas said. Tyler's heart was heavy but he knew that David didn't like having people stay in the living room.
"Maybe I- I can ask Michael", Tyler softly said. "Or Jordan..." he trailed. Lucas let out a sigh. "...okay, yeah, fine, let's ask", he said.
"I'm gonna go for a smoke", Steve replied and he didn't wait for a reply before he went out to the balcony.
Having had that conversation with Tyler the day before about how they still had feelings for each other and realizing he was too late, saying to Tyler that he never wanted to come in between his relationship was one thing; other than knowing that, nothing would change, he thought. But now also knowing they couldn't stay at Tyler's? Things were changing already, and Steve feared that. He didn't want things to change. He believed Tyler, that he didn't know and wasn't doing this on purpose. He didn't want him to feel afraid or scared that they'd be mad at him for it. He wanted to assure Tyler that he was fine. But that didn't take away Steve's fear, or the heavy feeling in his heart. He didn't want to lose Tyler or the bond between them, he didn't want to lose their relationship, but he was afraid that things were changing already and it was tough.
He lit a cigarette and he leaned on the balustrade as he overlooked the street. He didn't know what to think or to expect but he wanted to feel confident about them; the three of them. He always did, but somehow this time it felt different and Steve was scared that they'd drift apart.
The door opened after a while and Tyler stepped onto the balcony too, closing the door behind him. "Hi", he said softly. "Hi baby", Steve replied as he looked up, before looking back to the view. He swallowed a bit difficultly.
"I'm really sorry", Tyler said. "I... I didn't know, I really didn't. I wish I did", he said. "I wanted you two to stay here... I- I thought we would, y'know... cuddle and all that and just... be together", he muttered. Steve pushed himself up off the balustrade and stood upright. He held his arm up and Tyler walked right into it, wrapping his arms around Steve's waist. "I know", Steve said as he pressed a firm kiss on Tyler's forehead. "I really wished we would too", he added softly.
"...are we okay?" Tyler then asked. "After yesterday's call..? I- I hope we are but I just... I- I just need to know for sure", Tyler said as he looked up at him but he was still holding him in his arms. "Of course we are", Steve said, moving Tyler's hair out of the way a bit. "You just... took me by surprise, I just really didn't expect it, that's all", he said. "Wish I would've known sooner, but... well, nothing we can change now and nothing we need to change. You're happy with him, which I'm really happy about, Ty", Steve said.
"...are you sure?" Tyler asked as he looked up at him. "Yeah baby, I am", Steve said as he rested his hand on the back of Tyler's head and he gently moved his fingertips against his scalp. "I just... I just wished I'd known Ty, that's all", he said softly. "'Cause we'll always be alright, we'll always have each other but just knowing that only now, when it's basically too late and now also knowing I'm gonna have to leave soon because we can't stay here, it feels like I might lose you which I don't want and I really don't ever want to let that happen but its scary and it just makes me wanna-" he stopped himself. Tyler waited for him to continue, but he didn't.
"...makes you wanna what?" Tyler asked softly. "Nothing, just- just forget I said that", Steve said as he rested his head against Tyler's. "...no I can't, you have to say it", he said. "I don't want to Ty, please just drop it. I didn't mean to say that", Steve said. "Then you shouldn't have said that", Tyler replied. "I didn't mean to", Steve said. "Please let it go Ty, I don't wanna make things more complicated than they already are", Steve begged. "N-no I- I need you to tell me, I can't let that go. You have to tell me what you wanted to say, I have to know, I- it's- you have to", Tyler said. "Can't you really just let it go? It's not important", Steve tried. "I have to know-" Tyler kept rambling, pressing on, so Steve just said it.
"It just makes me wanna kiss you", Steve said, which shut Tyler right up. He just stared at Steve.
"...yeah", Steve said, then he cleared his throat. "Uhm... I told you it would make things more complicated", he said. "It just... I love you, Ty, you're everything to me, you'll always be my best friend. But this- don't get me wrong. We are okay, we are good, but this fucking sucks Ty", Steve said, his voice getting more fragile. "I'm in love with you, have been this whole time, been hoping you'd come back to me and I thought you'd let me know but you just wrote a song about it and hid it from me? With lyrics telling me to let you know when I wanna try again but you release it after it's too late already? 'Cause you're obviously not dating me but David. And he's a great guy as far as I can tell, he seems to truly like you and you seem happy and I love that, but why the hell did you have to release this song telling me all of that when it's already too late? You're messing with my heart Ty and I wish you didn't", Steve said.
"For a moment when I heard that song, I thought you were genuine. That I had a genuine chance at being with you again, trying this with you again. But you quickly made me realize that wasn't true, that I was too late and you've moved on, and knowing that if only I had heard the song sooner, I would have been in time. I would've had another chance with you. I could've been yours. It sucks. It really sucks", Steve said. He was still holding Tyler, because he felt like he couldn't let go now, and Tyler wasn't letting go either. He saw Tyler's teary eyes and it hurt; it was doing something to Tyler too, or he wouldn't be looking at him like this.
"But you're still my everything. My soulmate and best friend first and foremost, always. I know it's officially over between us now, and I will accept that, I will be okay with that, because there's nothing more important to me than having and keeping you in my life, no matter how. I just need you, always, and I really hope we can continue to be that for each other no matter what", he said.
"You're with David, you're happy, I love seeing you happy. Whether that's with me as your partner or without me as your partner, doesn't matter. You're far too important for me to be selfish. I just wanna see you happy", Steve said.
"I said you're playing with my heart and... and I know you don't mean to, I know you're not like that", Steve said. "So I forgive you for that, of course I do. Just- just always be my Ty okay? Please promise me you'll always be my Ty. It's you, me and Lucas, always", Steve said.
"I promise", Tyler nodded. "I promise. And I- I'm sorry, I love you so much", Tyler sniffled. "I'm so sorry, I swear, I- I'm nothing without you, I can never lose you, please be my Steve forever too", Tyler rambled. Oh how badly he wanted to kiss Steve too. He was still so infatuated with that man, and Tyler really hoped he wasn't making a mistake here. Steve and him had both such separate, busy lives; it was hard having a relationship when you're both touring the world constantly, at different times. This was better for both of them, Tyler even had a new guy in his life, but it still hurt him so so much.
"I wish I'd shown you sooner", Tyler said softly. "Stop, baby", Steve softly said. "Don't make it even harder for me, please", Steve said. "I don't know how much more I can take right now", he said. Tyler swallowed difficultly and he nodded. "Sorry", he whispered. "Don't be", Steve pressed a kiss on Tyler's forehead. "Just wished that... that we could've been here tonight; you, me and Luke. Could really use a soulmate night", Steve said softly. "I- I really didn't know that that wasn't happening today, I promise-" Tyler started again. "I know baby, I know", Steve nodded. "I believe you. It's okay. Hopefully we get to have one soon when you get back from tour", he said. The tour was gonna take six weeks because of the distance between all of those shows, and Steve knew that was gonna be very hard for him. But he was trying to stay hopeful. It was all he could do.
"Let's go back inside", Steve sighed softly. "Can- can we smoke one?" Tyler asked. Steve nodded, he hugged Tyler tightly, then he let go and they sat down as they both lit a cigarette. Steve's hand was dangling next to the arm rest and Tyler reached out for his hand, intertwining their fingers gently. Steve looked at their hands and he grabbed Tyler's hand better. Their tattoos were next to each other and it was a constant reminder to Tyler that they were unbreakable no matter what. They were forever.
"This album's gonna be big, Ty", Steve said. "When you're famous, please don't forget about us", he said with a smile. "In no life would I ever be able to do so", Tyler said. "You haven't yet, and actually you're famous already, so..." Steve smiled. "I trust you", he said. Tyler returned the soft smile as he squeezed Steve's hand.
"I'm excited to hear those songs live tomorrow", Steve said.
//
Later that night, Lucas and Steve had gone to Michael's place to stay the night there, and even though Tyler wasn't alone; still, the apartment felt empty. It was much more homey with his soulmates there.
He got ready for bed and crawled in next to David. They'd made their relationship official just a little while ago, which was also why he was going on tour with them. Tyler didn't want to ruin the chance at finally finding his ultimate soulmate by starting to date and then disappearing for six weeks straight because of tour. He felt like that would ruin everything 'cause no one was gonna wait six weeks for him if their relationship wasn't much to begin with.
"Finally some quiet", David smiled. "Steve and Luke aren't- aren't that loud", Tyler softly said. "No I know, I didn't mean it like that", David replied. "Just like to have time just with you", he said. "Since your life's so busy already. Tyler smiled softly. "Yeah I like that too", he said. And he meant that.
"About Steve and Lucas, though... I think they're really nice, I know they're your friends, but... the intimacy between you and them... I just- it kind of makes me a bit uncomfortable", David said. "...do you think you guys could uhm... tone it down a bit? I mean, I know they're your best friends but... they're still your exes", he said. "And now being in a relationship with you, but seeing you be more open and comfortable with them because we're still getting used to us... it makes me uneasy", he said.
Tyler felt the heaviness of his heart become worse. "I'm sorry, I- I didn't even... think about that", Tyler said. "I- I get that it's not... normal for everyone, that it makes you feel a bit... weird", he said. "I'm sorry for that. I'll... tone it down, okay? I'll do that", Tyler said as he grabbed David's hand. "Thank you", he smiled. "I really appreciate that, love", he said. "Of course, no problem at all", Tyler returned the smile. He kissed his boyfriend, before he turned on the lights.
"Big day tomorrow", David said. "You're gonna do so well." "I hope so", Tyler sighed softly. "Biggest venue I've played yet. And it sold out in under two days. It's surreal", he said softly. "An arena. All on my own", he muttered.
//
Lucas was in one of Michael's two spare bedrooms, scrolling on his phone through Twitter as he saw the tweets from thousands of Tyler's fans excited for the show tomorrow and the album December that was about to be released in a few days. He felt so proud of Tyler as he saw what an impact he'd had on so many people out there. What Tyler wanted to achieve, what Tyler had dreamt of, had already happened; he wanted to take over the world. That's what he did. That's what he was still expanding on now.
There was a knock on the door and then it opened slightly. Lucas saw that it was Steve. "Hi baby, c'mon in", Lucas said as he sat up a bit. Steve did, closing the door behind him. "Can I sleep here?" He asked, and it made Lucas's heart feel so soft. There was something so endearing about it, because of how this big, muscular metal dude was so softly and vulnerably asking him if he could sleep there together with him, instead of staying in the other room on his own.
"Of course baby, C'mere", Lucas said as he moved the duvets aside and Steve crawled right in. "I was missing you already. Was thinking of how Michael's very sweet to give us separate rooms but I kinda didn't want to", Lucas said. "Me too", Steve said softly.
"What's wrong baby", Lucas asked as he let Steve cuddle up to him. "Just miss Ty", he softly replied. "Just thought it would be us three tonight", he said. "Or that we'd at least be staying at his place."
"I wasn't expecting that we'd be ending up at Michael's either", Lucas said. "He- Ty didn't do that on purpose", Steve replied. "Were you... angry?" He asked. "Not angry. Just... a bit annoyed, I guess", Lucas sighed softly. "Didn't mean to make Tyler feel like that, I just... expected it to be us too. Didn't expect having to change plans that last minute", he said.
"Why didn't you bring Richard for these shows?" Steve asked. "Exactly because I thought we'd have our soulmate nights, not us three soulmates and Richard. I guess in hindsight I could've brought Richard because now it's us three and David. Not even that, actually. It's just us two", he said. "Don't get me wrong, David is a nice guy. He makes Ty happy. But a warning or a heads up would've been nice", Lucas said.
Steve nodded but he was quiet for a moment as he cuddled up to Lucas closer. They were both quiet for a while now.
"D'you know that song that Tyler released yesterday?" Steve asked. "Yeah! I hadn't heard that one until yesterday. Did you produce that one too or was it Tyler?" Lucas asked.
"I didn't know that song even existed until the moment he released it", Steve said. Lucas was quiet. "...wait what?" He asked as he sat up a bit, and Steve shifted a little too so he could look up at Lucas. "Mhm", he said. "Wait but- but isn't that about... about you?" He asked. "...yep", Steve said softly. "Holy shit", Lucas said softly. "So you just- you didn't know? At all?" He asked.
"He wrote a song telling me he'd wanna try a relationship again because he was still in love with me, didn't tell me, kept it from me for months; at least half a year; then started dating a different guy, made their relationship official, and only when all of that happened, he released it to the entire world for me to be totally thrown off and realize what it meant when it was too late. Yeah, that's exactly what Ty did", Steve said.
"Steve..." Lucas trailed softly. Steve shrugged. "I don't know what to say or think", he said. "I called him, then we talked today on the balcony... I know he didn't mean to hurt me or anything but this sucks, like, a lot", Steve said. "...especially knowing you still have some feelings for him", Lucas said. Steve quirked an eyebrow. "Some feelings?" He said. "Okay, let me rephrase that; especially knowing you're still madly in love with him. Better?" He asked. "That seems about right", Steve hummed.
"Gosh, I'm sorry", Lucas sighed as he hugged Steve tightly. "I can't believe that he didn't tell you before until it's too late. Did he tell you? That it was too late?" Lucas asked. "Sure did. He said it's too late, he's got a boyfriend", he said. "Not that I ever wanted to break that up, but... damn it Ty", he sighed as he ran a hand down his face. "Why didn't you just tell me", he muttered.
"Maybe now that he knows you still love him... he'll change his mind?" Lucas asked. "I hope not, I don't want him to. Not anymore", Steve mumbled. "Why?" Lucas asked. "Because I deserve to be happy and move on too", he said. "Ty is the reason why I haven't. But he's been moving on by dating and finding new guys for over a year now. I deserve being able to move on too", he said.
"Of course you do", Lucas wrapped his arms around Steve. "More than anyone. You shouldn't have to wait for Tyler to maybe change his mind. I didn't mean it like that either, I'm sorry", he said. "No I- I get that you didn't mean it like that", Steve said. He sighed softly. "It's just frustrating", he muttered. "...could've had him back if he'd told me. Or if I'd asked him how he was feeling. I... was stupid to wait for him to come to me. It's too late now", he said.
"Since Ty is the one dating around while he knows you're not doing that, I feel like he's the one who should've come to you about it", Lucas said. "But I know he's also scared... of losing you, of being rejected... even though he doesn't have to be afraid of losing you 'cause you're his soulmate", he said.
"Man I would've loved seeing you two together again. Not gonna lie", Lucas said softly then. "David is nice, he is... and Ty and him look nice together. But... I don't know. He doesn't have that thing, that connection that he and I had when we met, that connection that felt so undeniable and evident. That connection that he also had with you as soon as you and him met", Lucas said. "I really hope he turns out to be the one for Ty, but... I don't know", Lucas said.
"I don't think I can fairly comment on that now", Steve said. "I get that", Lucas said as he pressed a kiss on Steve's forehead. "I know you'll find your person too", he said.
"Do you think Richard is your person?" Steve asked. "I... believe so", Lucas said. "I feel like we have something very similar to what I had with Tyler when we fell in love. I think I might've found my person", he said. It made Steve smile. "I wanna see him again. You've been dating for quite a while now but I've only seen my soulmate's lover, like, three times. That's way too little", Steve said. "We could organize something soon if you'd like", Lucas smiled. "I'd really like that", Steve replied with a smile. "Do you think he'd mind that I'm now cuddling his lover in bed?" He asked. "He doesn't, at least that's what he's said", Lucas said. "I talked to him about it of course, we discussed it. I told him about our bond and the one we got with Ty in detail, not just on a superficial level. And so far, Rich said he's fine with all of that. He's seen us together before, I guess he's yet to see how we are when we're together for longer periods of time", Lucas chuckled.
"But we're kind of a package deal too aren't we? For me, at least", Lucas said. "Can't imagine not having you or Ty and you're my soulmates first. So for me... he's either okay with that or he's not the one", he said.
"You'd let him go if he wouldn't be okay with us?" Steve asked. "Yeah", Lucas replied. "You're my family. Now that we're coming up to a year pretty soon, I guess we should make that happen so he can decide once and for all if he's okay with it", Lucas said.
"Ty's going on tour for the next six weeks though", Steve said. "That's fine, you can come over on your own too", Lucas said. "When Ty's back we'll get the band back together", he joked. Steve let out a soft laugh.
"I feel like that'd be the same for me. Package deal, either my future partner understands that or they don't and it's not gonna work", he said. "'Cause we're soulmates."
"Yeah we are", Lucas said as he hugged Steve tightly. "I love you."
~~
Ahhhh mannn Ty isn't doing the best with his soulmates rn. He wants to do as best as he can of course but now that someone new is in the picture he is apprehensive about telling them no bc he's so desperate to be loved and have a healthy romantic relationship 🥺 and poor Steve is huuuurt which is v obvious imo bc I'd be hurt too in that situation hahaha
(And yes I am absolutely picturing Richard Madden as Lucas's handsome boyfriend)
What did you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts! Thank you so so much for being here, reading this, voting, sharing your opinion ♥️ makes me so happy. I love writing!
See you soon! Much love!