Torn In Three | Malum, Muke, Mashton

Chapter Ten

-Michael's point of view-

On queue, the band ran up the small steps towards the stage and faced the screaming fans calling our names. Being back in the spotlight felt nice - all my worries faded away from me and were replaced my the music.

Our set went smoothly for the first half of the show: occasional glances were shared between Luke and I but I tried my best to ignore him. Calum and Ashton knowing I'm continuing to cheat would only dig my hole of guilt even deeper.

Once we started playing The Only Reason, I felt piercing eyes watching me from behind: how am I supposed to concentrate with a furious Ashton judging my every move? The song we were playing only opened up the hardly healing wounds in the band's situation and Ashton had obviously realised that.

You're the reason, the only reason.

Truth is, I have three reasons. Two of which now despise me. My body concentrated on the rhythm of the guitar and on making the show special; tonight the fans are the most important. I looked out towards the crowd and only saw unfamiliar faces. Making effort to make eye contact with a few, I also took a chance to take in the size of the venue we were currently performing at: as a band, we have worked too hard to let everything slip away now. I won't allow anything worse to occur whilst we're here - at least I will try; cravings of a band member's lips are only bearable for so long.

"We would like to thank each and every one of you guys, you are why we're still here. You're the ones keeping this band alive, even if some are attempting to kill it" Ashton spoke as our song finished. I couldn't help but feel his statement was partly directed to me. Screams followed after the boy spoke and I couldn't help but feel a pang of jealously; I hadn't spoken at all during the set yet so now was my chance.

"We're not going away anytime soon 'cause we love you"

"Sure you can keep a promise to someone you love, Mikey?" Calum spoke. Red flushed my cheeks and I felt lost for words: comebacks were bad enough backstage, but infront of an audience was an entirely new level of dangerous.

Nervously laughing, I replied: "love you guys so much" and pointed to the audience. That earned a lot of screams, however I didn't properly answer Calum's question.

From then on I avoided all social contact with my band members and focused on my playing. I found it quite easy, which I was grateful for because the rest of the gig went by fast.

Luke said the band's goodbyes and I was the first to get off of the stage. Ignoring everyone around me, I barged my way through the crowds of staff and entered my personal dressing room. Sighing in relief, I made my way towards the comfiest bean bag and sat down. My solitary time didn't last for long, however, because I was interrupted by a needy-looking Luke.

"Mikey, I miss you"

"We just spent the last hour on stage together, how could you miss me?" I laughed at Luke's nonsense.

"I miss your lips"

"Well stop missing them and come here" I pouted and opened my legs so that Luke could sit, an opportunity he happily took. Without hesitation, we both leaned forwards and attached our hungry lips: they were both dry from the uninterrupted singing from only minutes ago, however their soft touches sent sparks flying. For me, that is. I moved my hand further down Luke's back, which made him tense but soon relax into my touch. My hand travelled further down his body until I reached his crotch.

"I've always wanted to do it on a beanbag" Luke whispered with his post-show raspy voice.

"Today's your lucky day, babe" I smiled into our kiss.

Moments passed as I continued to palm Luke, making him grow underneath me. Neither of us expected the door to open in the middle of our fun. Cursing under my breath, I watched as Ashton stood and stared at us both: the position we were both in was only too obvious as to what we wanted to do.

"God's sake," Ashton murmured. I watched as the anger rose within his body: his face grew a deeper red at every breath he took. "You just proved to me that I was wrong at my thought of this not getting worse." The boy's dark eyes scanned me and my hold upon Luke.

"I-"

"Save it, you're obviously not sorry" hurt in Ashton's voice was now evident and I sat in my place unable to move, incapable of knowing what to do next. Finally making my mind, I pushed Luke off of my body and chased after Ashton down the now empty corridor.

"Wait, Ash-" I grabbed Ashton by his arm so that I could face him: tears were rapidly spilling from his eyes, only hurt was showing on his face - hurt caused by me. I didn't mean to hurt him, I only meant to have some fun.

"Get off of me, I don't want to look at you ever again," Ashton's voice cracked as he desperately tried to stop his tears. "You know what's crazy? I actually thought I could forgive you. But now, now I know you're only a selfish prick who feels no remorse for anything. Go fuck off and don't come back"

Ashton's words pierced into my skin and a lump grew in my throat, signalling my desperation to cry. But I didn't. I cannot look weak. "I didn't mean to hurt you"

"Well you're stupid for thinking that" Ashton wriggled his body, however I sustained my grip on his arm.

"I wanted to tell you, Ash. I was planning on it"

"When would you have told me? After the fourth person you fucked, or is there already a fourth person?"

"It's only Luke and Cal"

"Oh, well that makes it all okay"

"We don't need to get back together," Ashton scoffed at my comment, "I just want us to be okay. For you to forgive me"

"It'll take more than a simple sorry, which by the way I haven't been given yet, to be forgiven Clifford. Infact, it disgusts me saying your name. Just get off me so I don't have to look at your betraying face"

Shaking my head, I tightened my grip on Ashton forcing him to wince. Sudden fury of Ashton's unforgiveness boiled inside me. This was a feeling I had never felt before; a feeling of pure vexation.

Oblivious to the pain I was causing, I began to dig my nails into Ashton's arm and soon felt a sticky liquid creep onto my fingertips.

"You will forgive me, I'll make sure of it" I growled.

"Michael, you're scaring me"

--
Hi I hope you liked this, there's a lot to come so *tv guy voice* don't go anywhere.
Again I would like to thank all of you who've read this and who have been giving me so many supportive comments, they honestly mean so much!
In other news, the album is AMAZING. What's your favourite song?
Love you guys :)
-Celia