The Therapist's Son // Ashton Irwin [AU] ✔

14.

"You're Natalie, I'm guessing?" I nodded, fiddling with the sleeves of my sweater. "Knew it. In the past two weeks, all I ever here this guy talking about is Natalie. Natalie this, Nat-" He was cut off by Ashton's hand covering his mouth, eyes wide.

"What he means is- Ew, don't lick me!" He yelped, pulling his hand away to wipe on his jeans.

"What I mean is that this guy definitely has something going on in that head of his. It's cute. Nice to meet you, Natalie. I'm Calum." He spoke once Ashton's hand was removed from his mouth. I, at this point, was laughing at the two. It was obvious they were good friends.

"You too." I said between small laughs.

"Do you guys wanna swim? It's hot outside today. Pool's out back."

"I was actually thinking Natalie could borrow a swimsuit from your sister? We weren't prepa-"

"No!" I suddenly almost-yelled, cutting him off. I couldn't believe I had been this stupid. I couldn't change! I hadn't worn bracelets under my sweater today, and I wasn't going to expose my scars.

"What's wrong?" Ashton asked.

"I, um, don't feel like going completely in the water. But could I maybe borrow a pair of shorts?" I asked timidly. They looked at me strangely, but nodded as Calum headed down the hall to another room.

"Are you okay? You seem kind of off, suddenly." Ashton said once his friend was out of earshot. I nodded, giving a small smile.

"Yeah, I'm great. Just don't want to go through all the trouble of drying off and putting all my clothes back on before we leave, you know?" He shrugged.

"Natalie, I'm pretty sure these are your size. They're kinda short, but they're the only thing I could find. I have no idea where my sister keeps her stuff," Calum said, handing me a grey pair of shorts as I mumbled a 'thank you'. "The bathroom is straight down the hall, last door on the left if you want to change there."

*****

"I sure wish you'd come in," Ashton pouted, arms on the side of the pool, the rest of his body in the water. I had my legs only in the water, not wanting to get my sweater wet. "I'm lonely."

"I'm here too, you jerk!" Calum laughed, but Ashton simply turned, flipping him off before turning back to me.

"Please come in."

"No, I don't think so." I laughed, causing Ashton to pout.

"Fine. If you don't come in, I'll get out." He pulled himself up out of the water, sitting right next to me, his legs in the water too.

"Great, just leave me in here by myself. Really kind, Ashton." He again, gave his friend the middle finger, his attention still on me.

"Are you going to get in now?"

"Nope."

"Yes, you are." Ashton said, but I folded my arms across my chest like a stubborn five-year-old.

"Make me." I instantly regretted my words, Ashton's hands on my back, gently - yet firmly - pushing me off the edge. I let out a cry of surprise as I hit the water, holding my breath. I heard another splash, probably Ashton jumping back in the water too.

"Ashton!" I shreiked as I came back up to the surface. I splashed him, wiping at my eyes as I exhailed through my nose, trying to get out excess water. "Fuck you!"

"You said 'make me'!" Ashton defended, laughing as he swam towards me. "Water up your nose?"

"You're an ass." I laughed.

"Wanna see who can hold their breath the longest?" He challenged, smiling.

"You're on." I replied, taking in a breath as he counted down. Three, two, one, I closed my eyes as I went under, holding my breath. I almost gasped as I almost instantly felt something against my lips, but that would have required air, something I was lacking at this moment in time.

I felt hands on my sides as I was pulled closer against him, my heart beating rapidly as his lips continued to move against mine in a perfect underwater kiss. His lips were soft and warm, despite the fact that we were in the water. Butterflies were an understatement as bombs and fireworks went off in my mind and stomach. It seemed like our lips were connected for minutes, even though it couldn't have been more than ten or fifteen seconds, before we both decided we needed to breathe.

Ashton pulled away, and I allowed myself to go back to the surface for air, - which I was in desperate need of at this point - him following a few seconds after.

"What was that?" I asked, a blush on my cheeks.

"That was me coming out of the water after you," He responded with a slight smirk. "I win."

*****

A/N: Long-ish chapter! Yay!

THEY HELD HANDS!

WE FINALLY GOT TO MEET CALUM!

HE KISSED HER, HE KISSED HER, HE KISSED HER!

I'M SO HAPPY RIGHT NOW, THIS CHAPTER WAS SO MUCH FUN TO WRITE!

Ahem, I'm good. I'm chill, yo.

Please comment? Vote maybe?

I'll try and update again soon.

ily!!

Callie xx