Catch 22

Lou's game

It had been about a month since Ashton and Luke had argued on the soccer field. They were both careful to avoid running into each other both knowing neither one would be strong enough to resist the other. When it came to splitting their time with their friends it wasn't easy. Ashton didn't go to the soccer field during lunch and Luke wouldn't go to any of the soccer practices. Calum and Michael always went to both. As far as outside of school went it was more of a first come first serve basis. Calum and Michael fought to keep the time split equally. If there was a group outing either Ashton or Luke would sit it out. Louis, Harry and Niall didn't seem to notice. Calum and Michael tried not to complain because they both knew how important it was for Ashton and Luke to stay separated.

"So what do you say Luke, will you come to the game?" Louis asked a hopeful look in his eyes.

"Ummm..." Before Luke could answer Harry piped in.

"Will your family be there Lou?"

"No, mom and dad have to work and the girls are staying with friends tonight." Louis answered a disappointed look on his face.

Luke bit his lip ring. He recalled the time Ashton told him about how hard it was for Louis that his family never had time to come to his games.

"So, you gonna come Luke?" Louis asked again.

"Y-yeah, definitely. I wanna see how all my hard work paid off." Luke winked putting on a fake smile. If he knew anything about Ashton it was that he wouldn't miss Louis' first game but he couldn't bring himself to say no to Louis. Especially after seeing the happy smile on his face when Luke agreed.

"Ash is gonna be there." Calum said in a whisper leaning over to Luke.

"I can't just not go. This means a lot to Louis. I don't have to talk to him." Luke whispered back.

Ashton made his way to the bleachers. He always liked to be one of the first ones there so he had his choice of seat. Which he preferred closer to the front. He walked towards the seating area stopping short.

There on the first row where Ashton usually sat was Luke. He hadn't really seen Luke in almost a month. He managed to avoid the blonde easy enough. But here he was looking as hot as ever. He had a bit of stubble on his chin from not shaving for a few days. He wore his usual black skinny jeans and a white t shirt with a black leather jacket. His hair in it's usual quiff. He was gnawing on his lip ring while reading from one of his school books.

Ashton took a deep breath not sure if he should say anything. He had managed to avoid this situation for almost a month, yet here he was. Ashton had missed Luke badly, but he didn't realize how bad until he saw Luke sitting in front of him.

Luke closed his book putting it in his bag before looking up and being met with hazel green eyes.

"A-Ashton." Luke stuttered. How long had he been there?

"Hi, Luke." Ashton breathed out. If he wanted to turn back it was too late now.

"W-what are you doing here?" This time it was Ashton's turn to stutter.

"Lou's game." Luke answered quietly not looking away from Ashton's eyes.

"Right, of course. His first game." Ashton nodded. He shouldn't have been surprised Luke was here to watch Louis' game but at the same time he sort of was.

"Louis asked me to be here." Luke explained.

"I know it means a lot that you're here. Thanks for agreeing." Ashton gave a small smile.