5sos Blurb Book #4

mashton

too many times has michael watched ashton fall too far in love — only to break — and michael wishes he didn't have to, because ashton was always used —
i bet you 50 bucks you'll never sleep with him
or
this'll make her totally jealous
or
i'm dating him for a good grade; or coach'll kill me
and the poor thing, he didn't deserve that — he was such a sweet boy, but he was quiet and nerdy and people used that as an advantage, always,
so when ashton shows up at michael's door again, sniffling and sobbing and looking broken, michael sighs, tugging him in his arms and michael just wants this, wants to hold him for the rest of his life but ashton never learns — does he — no, he doesn't, or else he would be with the boy that he called his best friend, the jock who stood up for him with bullies or rude remarks, that's who michael was — to him — and that broke michael to pieces,
'why doesn't anybody actually love me?' he had sobbed and michael couldn't take this anymore
'i love you.'
and ashton sniffled, nuzzling into his chest, chewing his lip at his soft voice,
'fuck, i love you ash, you're so stupid — i was always here..b-but you always went with them and i was responsible for mending your broken heart when you were breaking mine.'
michael said this into his hair, feeling the bricks lift off his shoulders as he breathed in relief and ashton picks his head up, gazing at him,
'you love me?' he whispered and michael smiled softly and nodded, and ashton bit his lip
'i love you too but, could..could we maybe wait a little?' and michael nodded and pecked his forehead
'all the time you need.'