Strings Attached (lashton, editing)

Twenty-Five.

"But now he'll get to spend more time with him than his actual father."

"Michael...you know it doesn't have to be like that, and you know I don't want you or Tim to miss out on having each other as he grows up," Luke sighs out, not wanting Michael to feel like he wasn't going to ever be part of Tims life. "You heard the judge, this doesn't have to be permanent. I know I went for full custody of Tim, I know that sucks for you but I need you to understand it wasn't fair on me to be the one looking after Tim and paying for everything while you put in no effort." 

"It's not that easy Luke," Michael spoke quietly. 

"Tell me why not Mike," Luke sighed out. 

"I don't want to be stuck down in an office job Luke, that isn't me." 

"Mike...I know you want to start that business of yours. But you haven't made any moves towards it for the two years you've been out of school, you need money for it Michael...I'm not asking you to give up your dreams, just o be more realistic," Luke spoke. "I don't want you out of Tim's life, I don't even want you out of mine. We had a child together Mike, we'll always have that even though we didn't work. I just want you to grow up a little."

"I'm already on the outside."

"No you're not, you're only on the outside if you put yourself there."

Michael stared at Luke for a minute, playing with the muffin on the plate in front of him. He felt as though he could cry, he was watching who he had once seen as the love of his life move on without him. Though, he knew their split had been for the best. They hadn't been close for a long while before they broke up. 

Luke on the other hand, felt like he could cry from the circles he and Michael had gone in for years. He was hoping that now Michael would have his reality check, that he would be able to become the father he should be. 

"None of your family like me Luke, they don't want me around. Calum and I are no longer friends, and that boyfriend of yours? He hates me the most," Michael spoke desperately trying reason his neglect. 

"No they don't, Mike. My parents love you, you know that. Calum...I don't know what to say for him, he makes his own decisions. And Ashton? He only acts that way because the two of you have never had one nice interaction and he just wants to protect me. What they think shouldn't matter, I want us in this together again."

"I'll try," Michael continued to watch Luke. He didn't want to miss out on his son's life, he didn't want to miss out because he couldn't get his act together. 

"We're having a party for Tims birthday next Saturday, I want you there."

"I'll try, Luke. I promise." 

"Thank you, Michael," Luke smiled at him and let his shoulders relax. He knew his relationship with Micheal had to get worse before it was going to get better, but he also knew he had to let Michael know he didn't want him to be absent - that if Michael could change their situation could change. "I've gotta go, I have a meeting at 12. Here's Tim's bag and I'll be by Sunday night to get him. I do hope you come next weekend Mike."

Luke left his met up with Michael feeling better than ever, that perhaps his future relationship with Michael would be better than he thought. He continued to feel the guilt ball in the bottom of his stomach over what he had done to the man, but he had hope that this was what would bring back their relationship. 

He hoped that maybe one day soon Tim would get to grow up with parents who didn't bicker and fight. 

-- 

Another chapter!! We also reached 2k reads on this story!! thank you so much!! 

Lol this is also unedited soz.

Thoughts on Luke and Michael getting coffee?

Michael not wanting to, but agreeing to? 

Ashton wanting to stay close by? To protect Luke?

Their talk? 

Luke wanting Michael to be part of their lives? Saying he doesn't want him to miss out on anything? 

Michael saying he doesn't want an office job? Saying he will try harder and feeling insecure?

Michael being invited to Tims birthday?

Luke feeling hopeful about the future? 

Let me know your thoughts!! Leave a comment, vote and give me a follow if you liked it! Really does mean a lot. 

- Grace